Rep. Ellison: Shutdown Will Make Life Harder For Minnesota's Families

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after House Republicans passed a Continuing Resolution that moves the nation closer to a government shutdown.

"Today I voted against the Republican Majority's bill, H.J. Res 59, that will inevitably lead to a government shutdown. The Republican House moved us closer to a shutdown when it ignored the Senate Continuing Resolution, which would have continued government operations, offering vital services and some certainty to Americans. Because of Republican intransigence, the federal government is closer to the first government shutdown in 17 years.

"A shutdown will make life harder for Minnesota's families. It will put the paychecks of 18,000 Minnesotans working for the federal government at risk. Veterans and seniors applying for new benefits will see their paperwork delayed. Head Start programs may have to close.

"Republicans are doing all of this because they don't like the Affordable Care Act, which was passed by Congress through the normal course of legislative business and was signed by the President. It was reaffirmed in June 2012 by the Supreme Court and again in November 2012 by the American people when they reelected Barack Obama.

"The Republicans have not tried to improve the Affordable Care Act. They have only tried to repeal health care reform - over 43 times. Now they have resorted to holding the entire federal government hostage. Ultimately, Republicans are not attacking the Affordable Care Act because they think it will not work; they fear it will work. When it does, the millions of Americans will have access to affordable health care. And Republicans know it."

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