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Day 16 of the Republican Government Shutdown

Floor Speech

Date: Oct. 16, 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Government Operations Government Budget and Spending

Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, day 16 of the Republican government shutdown: children across the country are being turned away from Head Start educational services; our small businesses are seeing a loss in demand for their services; and local economies are suffering. Americans are finding it harder to finance the purchase of a new home, placing a damper on the housing market, a cornerstone of our national economy. In New York, alone, 50,000 workers are furloughed, holding back on purchases that will help stimulate our local economy.

Now we approach another deadline and the possible default of the Federal debt. Allowing this to happen will be the height of Republican irresponsibility, causing havoc in our capital markets and costing American jobs.

All of this could end today if our colleagues would simply allow a vote. Stop playing political games. We need to reopen the government and pay the bills Congress previously authorized.

Mr. Speaker, the American people have seen enough. The time for talk is over. Let's vote to end this today.


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