Ann Kirkpatrick: “I stand here today on behalf of southern Arizonans and all our Federal employees. I stand here as their public servant…”

“I stand here today on behalf of southern Arizonans and all our Federal employees. I stand here as their public servant because I work for them. They have called, sent letters, and shown up in our offices, pleading for action. They are scared, and not because of immigration. They are scared they can't pay rent, and they are scared they might not be able to feed their children. To our constituents at home, I am sorry, but be outraged. It is outrageous that John from southern Arizona, a Customs and Border Patrol agent, is furloughed and worried about how he is going to keep the lights on. It is outrageous that Cochise County Community College students, many of whom are veterans, are worried they may not receive their financial aid. It is outrageous that over 900,000 Arizona participants in SNAP, 72 percent of them with children, are in jeopardy of losing their nutrition assistance. Madam Speaker, the majority in this House has publicly stated our willingness to work with the President. We must reopen government. Be outraged, because I sure am. ____________________”