VIDEO: Capito Delivers Speech Calling for End to Schumer Shutdown

To watch Senator Capito's remarks, click here or on the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for Democrats to stop playing political games and work with Republicans to fund the government and return to regular order.

Senator Capito also highlighted the harmful impacts the shutdown will have on hardworking West Virginia families, including federal workers, those who rely on federal programs and benefits, and small businesses.

Senator Capito's remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Mr. President-

"As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, one of my most important responsibilities is to make sure the government stays open and working for the people we represent.

"That's why I am deeply disappointed to be standing here today in the midst of an avoidable government shut down, all because the majority of Senate Democrats refused to join Republicans in supporting a commonsense, short-term, continuing resolution.

"Let me be clear about what that short-term continuing resolution was designed to do: It was not a gimmick. It was not some partisan maneuver. It was a straightforward measure to keep critical services in operation, while giving Congress the time we need to finish our work on appropriations bills through regular order, the way we used to do it.

"And, even some of our Democrat colleagues agreed because they voted with us too.

"Bottom line: we didn't have to be, and shouldn't be, in this position we are in today.

"We have a path forward, but it requires the Democrats to come to their senses and vote for this reasonable measure that would re-open the government.

"The Senate has already passed three appropriations bills on the Senate floor, and we have five more that received heavy bipartisan support in committee and are and ready for a full Senate vote.

"That's progress. That's responsibility. That's doing our job.

"But, in order to complete the process, we need time.

"The C.R. is a bridge to keep the government open while we finish that work.

"Unfortunately, Democrats chose a different path.

"They chose to shut the government down.

"They made a political calculation, appeasing their far-left base instead of doing the right thing for the American people.

"And unfortunately, hardworking families all across this country who rely on critical government services will be put at a disadvantage.

"Government shutdowns have real consequences.

"In West Virginia, our businesses and federal workers face uncertainty about their pay.

"Families who rely on essential benefits are put in limbo.

"Small businesses waiting on federal permits or loans are forced to wait even longer.

"And so many others are told, yet again, that politics comes before people.

"My state of West Virginia has the third largest amount of Federal employees.

"To all of those public servants who are bearing the brunt of this nonsense: please know how much I value your contributions to our nation, and I will work tirelessly to get you back to doing what you have been trained to do.

"That is unacceptable.

"Now, Republicans are not giving up.

"As Leader Thune has indicated, we'll continue bringing forward opportunities for Democrats to join us in reopening the government.

"We will keep voting to do the right thing and give them the chance to do the same.

"The American people expect Congress to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars. I know the constituents in my state of West Virginia do.

"They expect us to keep the government functioning while we debate our differences.

"That's what the Republican C.R. would have allowed us to do, and it is what Senate Democrats rejected.

"I urge my colleagues across the aisle to stop the political games, end this shutdown, and join us in funding the government.

"Let's finish our work on the appropriations bills and let's return to the regular order process that brings transparency, accountability, and bipartisanship back to the appropriations process.

"That's what West Virginians deserve.

"That's what the American people deserve.

"And that's what I will continue fighting for every day.

"Thank you, Mr. President.

"With that, I yield the floor.

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