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"I am glad to see that Congress has agreed to legislation that ends the shutdown and keeps our nation from defaulting on our obligations, but this all should have been avoided. Republicans didn't have the votes, yet still used the threat of a shutdown and default to try and force policies on Democrats that we cannot support. This approach to governance was doomed to fail from the beginning.
"It is critical that Congress pass a bill that allows the United States Government to operate. The consequences of a long-term government shutdown are dramatic and unacceptable. Twice, the Senate has passed a clean funding measure to avoid this shutdown, but House Republican leadership refuses to give House Members an opportunity to vote on it.
If a funding bill is not passed by 12am EST, the government will shutdown. A shutdown could have numerous effects in Washington State and across America. Social Security checks and benefits will continue to go out (although new applications could experience delays) and veterans' hospitals will remain open. However, many federal agencies will be closed, thousands of workers in the state will be furloughed, and financial supports for small businesses can be put on hold.
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after his vote House Republicans' refusal to bring up a vote on the Senate funding measure:
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after his vote opposing the House Republicans' Continuing Resolution:
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement after the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government and avoid a shutdown:
"With the Senate's passage of a clean bill that would continue to fund the government, the House Republicans' refusal to pass this measure would jeopardize our economy.
"Tomorrow we recognize the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps and the 80,000 members that help fight to expand educational and economic opportunities for our nation's most vulnerable people.
"Today, I opposed drastic cuts to SNAP that would eliminate essential nutrition support for millions of families across our nation. By changing eligibility requirements, the Republican led bill would slash $39 billion in SNAP funding over the next 10 years, resulting in nearly 4 million people losing all or part of their nutrition assistance. This is just wrong.