Scott Statement on GOP Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the federal government entered a shutdown:

"Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Congressional Democrats are in Washington ready to negotiate to keep the government open, while protecting the health care of the American people. House Republicans, regrettably, cancelled votes for this week and last week, and sent their members home.

"Congressional Republicans have supported a seven-week continuing resolution in order to negotiate. However, they have been aware of the September 30^th funding deadline since March, yet have refused to engage in any negotiations thus far - not in the last seven days or in the last two days. So, it is difficult to see how this is anything other than another simple delay. And President Trump, instead of working to find a solution, posted a racist, AI-generated video yesterday mocking Democratic leaders, and threatened to fire massive numbers of federal workers. He failed to say how these firings would be different from what his administration has been doing for months; nor did he say he would not fire additional employees if the government stayed open.

"Democrats want to negotiate a spending deal that protects the health care of Americans who are now at risk due to President Trump's Big Ugly Law. These impacts are real. Rural health facilities are already closing, including several in Virginia. And millions of Americans will see increased health care costs because of the relentless Republican attacks on the Affordable Care Act. If Republicans are serious about governing, keeping the government open and helping working families, they should return to Washington immediately and engage in serious bipartisan negotiations."

Congressman Scott's Washington and Newport News offices will remain open during the shutdown and his staff will be available to assist constituents.

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