Ranking Member Thompson Statement on Republicans and Donald Trump Shutting Down the Government While Lying About Immigrants
(WASHINGTON) – Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Trump and Congressional Republicans forcing a Federal government shutdown – and lying about immigrants – instead of protecting healthcare for millions of American families.
“Congressional Republicans and President Trump have shut down the Federal government because they refuse to negotiate on anything and are all too excited to jack up healthcare costs for millions of Americans. Just as they have done countless times in the past, Republicans have forced a shutdown – all on their own – in order to inflict maximum pain on the American people and do as much damage as possible to the Federal government. Trump and Republicans know they don’t have a leg to stand on as their only talking point is to continually repeat a giant lie about immigrants.
“Democrats have been clear for months: we will not support a budget that inflicts a healthcare crisis on the American people in order to fund Trump’s continued destruction of our democracy and out of control mass deportations.
“Now, because of Republicans, not only will the 270,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security be forced to work to keep us safe without pay, critical homeland security programs and authorities – such as counter drone authorities, cyber information sharing, and cyber grants for local governments – will lapse because Republicans sat on their hands all year and didn’t do their job. This will make Americans less safe while living under Republican control.
“Republicans are in charge of the entire government – the House, Senate, and the White House. This shutdown is on them. And the American people are clear that they agree: everyone understands that Republicans, for decades, are always gleeful to play political games and sow chaos when so much is at stake.
“Democrats are ready to keep the government open and protect healthcare. But we will only support a bill that helps Americans—not one that hurts them. We will not allow Republicans to dismantle the care families count on to fund Trump’s extreme and lawless agenda.”
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