Statement on the Possibility of a Federal Government Shutdown

Statement

"Americans rightly expect their elected officials to work together to address the great challenges now facing our nation. So, it is particularly disheartening that Congressional Republicans are refusing to come to the table to negotiate in good faith on a federal budget.

As they have done in Wisconsin, Republicans in Congress have declared that they will not consider any but the most extreme measures. Their leaders are caving to "tea party' extremists who will not give an inch on their plans to make deep cuts to health care, education and job creation efforts. Many of them actually want a government shutdown.

Congress must rise above this recklessness. A government shut-down would hurt our nation and undermine our fragile economic recovery. It is time for Republican leaders to set aside their extreme partisanship and come to the negotiating table. In other words, in both Wisconsin and Washington, it is time for them to lead."

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