Schakowsky statement on the ongoing Trump Shutdown

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the third day of the Trump Shutdown:

“Here we are on the third day of the Trump Shutdown. The first time in American history when our government has shut down while one party has control of the House, Senate, and White House.

“We’re here because Republicans spent months working to pass a tax scam that gave 83% of its benefits to the wealthiest 1% in our country and neglected their responsibility to keep our government funded. Republicans wanted a budget that slashed spending on crucial domestic programs so they took hostages: our children’s health care, the fate of Dreamers, workers’ hard-earned pensions, disaster-relief efforts, and funds for crucial veteran’s programs. The American people deserve better than this.

“Democrats are ready and willing to work on bipartisan solutions to end the Trump shutdown. I firmly believe that our priorities have bipartisan support. If proposals like a reauthorization of Community Health Centers, the Butch Lewis Act to protect pensions, the Dream Act, or disaster relief funds were to come to the House floor, I’m sure they would pass. What we need now is the willingness from President Trump and Republican leadership to put the priorities of the American people above their partisan objectives. Let’s get to work.”