Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference with Congressional Progressive Caucus and Federal Employees Calling for a Vote to Reopen the Government
Statement
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered remarks today at a press conference with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and federal employees calling for House Republicans to bring the Senate's clean government funding bill to the House Floor for a vote to end the government shutdown. Below is a transcript of his remarks:
"The government of the people, by the people and for the people has been shut down by the Republican Party that refuses to put a bill on the Floor, that if passed would open government by 1 o'clock today.
"The Majority Leader says he wants to open government as soon as possible. He has the right to put the bill that opens government back up on the Floor right now. And if he does not exercise that power he keeps the government of the people, by the people, and for the people shut down and not serving the people.
"The chair of the policy committee of the Republican Party, said this: "I don't think anyone wants to stretch this out for 2 weeks.' It's now 4 days - too long to shut down the people's government. Jim Lankford says "I'd like to resolve it this afternoon.' I tell the Republican Chairman of the Policy Committee, urge the Majority Leader, Mr. Cantor from the state of Virginia: put this bill to open this government on the Floor and let's pass it.
"I want to thank the representatives of working people in this country. Some are in government; some are in the private sector. They all want the ability to work and to be paid for their work so they can serve our economy and our people. Rich Trumka, thank you for your leadership. David Cox, thank you, of AFGE, for your leadership. Colleen Kelley and NTEU, thank you for your leadership and your work. And all the representatives, I don't know whether NFFE is here, other federal employee unions are here. AFSME is here, thank you for your leadership.
"We need to open the government of the people, and by the people, for the people. Let's do it. Act now. Get the government open."
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