We must avoid a government shutdown
This week, MAGA House Republicans released a dangerous and extreme bill that would renege on the agreement they made with President Biden a few months ago and demand steep funding cuts to healthcare, housing, education – fundamental programs for middle-class America – as the price for keeping the government funded for a few more weeks. But here's the catch, Kevin McCarthy doesn't have the votes for his own bill.
The House Republicans are so unconcerned about inflicting the harm from the government shutdown that with only 10 days to go, they decided to go home and do nothing for five days. Kevin McCarthy needs to take his responsibilities seriously and forge a bipartisan deal just as the Senate has been doing.
Let me be clear: House and Senate Democrats will not vote for any short-term funding bill that cuts critical resources for those who need them most, but Kevin McCarthy is more than happy to let MAGA extremists attack American families and businesses.
House Republicans are failing Americans. What we need to avoid a shutdown is a bipartisan solution, and I'm working with my colleagues to find one. But the latest antics from the MAGA wing of the Republican Party are standing in the way. These games are dangerous, reckless, and hurting our communities.
The budget deadline is September 30, and we're hurtling towards it. Right now, MAGA extremists are holding our country hostage to satisfy their extremist fever dreams of decimating Social Security and Medicare, tossing low-income children out of daycare centers, and, of course, restricting abortion access.
Democrats are working towards a deal to fund the government. There's too much at stake to be playing chicken, and a government shutdown will only hurt hard-working Americans. Congress needs common sense, not shenanigans.
Onward!
Jeff
