Congresswoman McCollum Reacts to a Possible Government Shutdown

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC – As House Republicans once again fail to come to an agreement with Senate Democrats and President Obama, the country is facing a federal government shutdown, starting Saturday, April 9. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement.

"A government shutdown will disrupt the economy, cost taxpayers billions in delays, and could derail America's economic recovery. It is an unacceptable outcome when compromise is possible. Congress must pass a fair budget compromise that makes real cuts, but without the ideologically driven policy prohibitions attacking women's health and critical environmental protections.

"Unfortunately, this era of Tea Party politics rejects compromise regardless of the harsh and harmful consequences. President Obama has already met Tea Party Republicans more than halfway by offering $33 billion in cuts to the rest of Fiscal Year 2011. Speaker Boehner and his Tea Party majority have a choice to make: work with Democrats to find common ground and keep the government working or remain uncompromising and shutdown the federal government."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

####