Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Historic Trump-Republican Government Shutdown

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

"At 36 days, the Trump-Republican shutdown has now become the longest government shutdown in history, surpassing President Trump's previous record. Instead of working to address our nation's affordability crisis, find solutions to drive down the high cost of living, and protect our nation's health care, our country has been subjected to weeks of Republican inaction and chaos. As House Republicans remain on their paid vacation, the American people have suffered - essential services have stalled in communities, SNAP benefits have lapsed for tens of millions of Americans, including children and seniors who are going hungry and remain uncertain about when they will receive their assistance, and thousands of federal workers have been furloughed without pay, many forced to take on additional jobs just to make ends meet.

"Now, it is unmistakably clear that the American people are calling on the Republican Party to return to the negotiating table so that we may save our nation's health care and address the rising costs of living across the country. Even in President Trump's own words, this shutdown has been a disaster for the Republican Party.

"The CBC and House Democrats have repeatedly made clear that we are focused on lowering the high cost of living and protecting our nation's health care from Republican spending cuts. President Trump and House Republicans must end their shutdown and immediately return to Washington so that we may get back to the work of the American people."