My Thoughts on Potential Government Shutdown
Dear Central Floridians,
Like you, I am concerned about a possible government shutdown and what this means for our country. Please know that I do not take this lightly. We need bipartisan solutions for Congress to work, not a dysfunctional blame-game that jeopardizes American lives.
For historical context, a government shutdown has never occurred under unified party control of Washington, because parties in charge set the agenda for legislative priorities. And currently, Republicans have a majority in Congress and control the White House. So, if the GOP truly wanted the government to stay open, they need to do the job they were elected to do: work with Democrats to govern for all Americans.
The Continuing Resolution that passed the House on Thursday was the fifth last-minute temporary funding measure by Republicans since last September. I voted against yet another CR because like you, I think this short-term solution fails to address many congressional priorities regarding our veterans, children's health, undocumented youth, and hurricane-affected areas.
It is irresponsible for the GOP to use people's well-being as leverage for political gains. This shutdown would be clear proof that the GOP is not capable of compromising and governing responsibly.
While the government is shut down, I am committed to staying in Washington and will continue working across party lines to find solutions for the following legislative priorities:
DACA
It is simply immoral to deny over 800,000 young people, who grew up in the United States and have contributed immensely to our communities, the opportunity to pursue their dreams without the fear of deportation. I will continue to support the DREAM Act to allow for permanent residence with a pathway to citizenship for these young Americans.
BORDER SECURITY
I agree that we need to protect our country from terrorists and others who would do us harm. Border security is an important part of protecting our country. Both parties have worked together over the last two decades and longer to improve security at our airports, ports and borders. However, I cannot support funding for an unnecessary and divisive wall that will have no benefits for our border security problems.
CHIP – Florida KidCare
CHIP is an essential program that helps over 9 million children receive lifesaving treatments they could not otherwise access. CHIP also protects low-income families from economic insecurity of unpredicted and often substantial healthcare costs.
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
These centers provide high-quality primary health care for more than 27 million Americans every year. Because of inaction, a number of centers are already reporting hiring freezes and closures.
DISASTER RECOVERY FOR PUERTO RICO& USVI
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are still in crisis. More forceful and immediate actions are needed to aid the recovery efforts. That's why my colleagues and I have continued working hard on both a recovery funding package, as well as other assistance efforts.
It is my hope that Congress and the President can find solutions, rather than adding more problems, to address the country's most pressing needs. President Harry Truman once said: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." More than ever before, I believe it's time to put aside political differences and work to accomplish real results for all Americans.
Sincerely,
Darren Soto
Member of Congress