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January 10, 2019

Chairman Thompson on First Missed Paycheck Tomorrow for DHS and Other Federal Employees

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the Trump shutdown and 800,000 federal employees who will be missing their first paycheck tomorrow:

“Tomorrow, nearly a million federal employees will miss their first paycheck of the year because the President has decided to throw a temper tantrum and hold the federal government hostage over his ridiculous demand for an ineffective, wasteful border wall. Over 200,000 employees at DHS – charged with protecting our skies, waterways, and borders – will also not be paid while still working.”

“Because of the President’s childish behavior, families will face difficulties paying rent, keeping the lights on, and putting food on the dinner table. He should not be treating them like pawns in his pathetic pursuit to fulfill an absurd campaign promise. Simply put, he is ignoring his oath of office by forcing the government to stay closed while refusing to work with Democrats. This absurd charade has gone on for far too long – it’s time for the President to end this needless shutdown.”

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Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978