Congressman Paul Cook Issues Statement on Government Shutdown and Congressional Pay
Statement
Rep. Paul Cook (R -- Yucca Valley) today issued a statement regarding the looming government shutdown and announced his support for the "Government Shutdown Fairness Act."
Cook said, "As a member of Congress who wants to get things done, it's frustrating to see this game of Russian roulette play out. We shouldn't shut down government, and my constituents have made that clear to me. We should pass a short-term continuing resolution until we can reach a longer-term deal. The House worked late into the night on Saturday on a new bill, but the Senate took a two-day holiday before acting on the measure. The President demonstrated this weekend that he's willing to negotiate with Iran, a country that's threatened to destroy the US and Israel, but he won't negotiate with Congress. These delays have pushed us to the brink, and now seniors and working families will suffer from the foot-dragging. Had the President and the Senate been willing to sit down and negotiate with the House, this could be solved."
In announcing his support for the "Government Shutdown Fairness Act," Cook continued, "The American people expect all sides to come together and negotiate so we can find a way to make government work in an efficient manner. If government shuts down, members of Congress shouldn't be paid during that time. Congress is failing to carry out one of its most important responsibilities and everyday Americans are suffering. That's why I'm a co-sponsor of HR 3160, which would prevent members of Congress from receiving a salary in the event of a government shutdown. I'm also supporting an amendment to prevent Congress from receiving special subsidies for health care."
Cook continued, "The House is working tonight to send the Senate another bill that will keep government open. I'm willing to work until midnight and beyond to get this done. Our country needs the President and Senate to make that same commitment. Americans deserve nothing less than a President and Congress willing to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week until this problem is resolved."
Source