Shea-Porter Statement on the Federal Government Shutdown

Press Release

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) issued the following statement after House Republicans chose to shut the federal government down rather than allow a vote on a clean bill to fund the government at current levels for six weeks:

"In a reckless attempt to obstruct the new health care law and extract an ideological laundry list of demands, House Republicans have shut down the federal government. These Tea Party tactics are harmful to the economy and they are an unacceptable way to govern.

"The House of Representatives has voted 45 times to obstruct, delay, defund, or repeal the Affordable Care Act. I am happy to debate the merits of the health care law through an open legislative process, but to hold vital government functions hostage unless we defund or delay the health care law is staggeringly irresponsible.

"This government shutdown will hurt New Hampshire families. Workers across the Granite State will be furloughed. Seniors' applications to begin receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits could be delayed. Businesses applying for loans through the Small Business Administration will have to wait.

"I have been very clear that I am willing to work with anyone to improve the Affordable Care Act, but I will not dismantle the health care law in exchange for funding the government. Funding the government is not a negotiating point. It's Congress' responsibility.

"I am deeply disappointed but not surprised that Tea Party Republicans have thrown our country into yet another unnecessary crisis. It's time for Speaker John Boehner to drop this poisonous brand of politics and allow a vote on a clean bill to fund the government."

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