Republicans Fail to Do Their Job, Leave Town Before Addressing Critical Challenges Facing the Country

Statement

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of this week's horrific terrorist attack in Brussels. On Wednesday, the House unanimously passed a resolution condemning the attacks and affirming America's solidarity with the people of Belgium. These terrorist attacks strengthen our resolve to confront the threat ISIS presents, and the United States must stand with our allies in Europe and the Middle East to eliminate ISIS.

While House Republicans continue to struggle with internal division over their budget, they have brought no substantive legislation to the Floor. Yesterday, Speaker Ryan and House Republicans left town for two weeks without passing an emergency funding bill to address three public health crises: the Zika virus, the Flint water crisis, and opioid addiction. In addition, House Republicans missed the March 31 deadline set by Speaker Ryan to address the debt crisis in Puerto Rico. It is deeply disappointing that House Republicans failed to address these time-sensitive issues, and I urge Republican leaders to work with Democrats to take action once we return from the district work period.

Finally, I continue to be concerned that Senate Republicans are refusing to do their job and consider President Obama's Supreme Court Justice nominee Merrick Garland. Judge Garland received strong bipartisan support when he was confirmed by the Senate in 1997 to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the GOP's refusal to hold a hearing and a vote on his confirmation is all about politics. Judge Garland's record is clear, and he deserves swift consideration by the Senate. I urge Senate Republicans to proceed with his confirmation without delay.

Sincerely yours,

Source