Representative Derek Kilmer (6th District U.S. Congressman) and representative Denny Heck (10th District U.S. Congressman) have released statements on the Federal Government shutdown and its impact.
Representative Derek Kilmer released the following statement after the news that the House and Senate did not reach a compromise by October 1st on legislation to keep federal agencies funded. Yesterday, Representative Derek Kilmer announced he will give up his pay for the duration of a government shutdown. A government shutdown will cause roughly half of the government’s civilian workforce, about 1.2 million employees to face furloughs. Additionally, national parks will close, veterans’ disability payments may be disrupted, and there will be a suspension of approval of applications for Small Business Loans. It is estimated that a government shutdown will cost taxpayers $150 million a day. “The fact that some in Congress would risk a shutdown in order to score political points demonstrates why Congress is currently held in lower regard than head lice,” said Representative Derek Kilmer. “I’m voluntarily giving up my own pay during this shutdown because I believe in leading by example. Unfortunately, many federal employees in our region unfortunately won’t have a say about losing theirs. They’ll be furloughed and lose pay through no fault of their own. These employees and the folks who depend on their work deserve better.” One of Representative Kilmer’s first actions in Congress was to break with members of his party to vote for a plan called No Budget, No Pay – a plan that would withhold pay from Members of Congress if Congress doesn’t pass a budget.
Congressman Denny Heck has released the following statement: “Today the national unemployment rate is still unacceptably high, including in the South Puget Sound. Congress should be working to bring that rate down. Instead, a small minority of Congress has chosen to force a government shut down on the American people, making the problem even worse. Thousands of federal employees at Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be furloughed tomorrow. Small businesses throughout the South Puget Sound will see delays in payments and loans from the federal government. Both Mount Rainier National Park and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge will be closed. Every day our government is shutdown is another body blow to our economy. Let me be clear: I am strongly opposed to a government shutdown and strongly support passing a clean funding bill. I support governing responsibly like adults and solving our nation’s problems through the normal democratic process. That’s not what’s happening right now. No one wins when our politics devolve to the point of a government shutdown. It’s time for Republicans to come together with Democrats and pass a clean funding bill that keeps the federal government open. Our job is to run the government, not to shut it down. My office will remain open to assist furloughed federal employees and others affected by the shutdown.”