Barbara Lee: “Once again, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her tremendous leadership on so many issues. I rise today in…”

“Once again, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her tremendous leadership on so many issues. I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 28, this continuing resolution bill to reopen the government through February 28. This legislation would end the Trump shutdown and ensure that our Federal employees get their paychecks, like, now. This bill also sends a clear message that we will not let President Trump hold this government hostage for his irresponsible, mean-spirited wall. Mr. Speaker, this is the longest government shutdown in history. The government has been closed now for 27 days--27 days, mind you. All the President has to do is say: Yes, I will open up the government. Meanwhile, we Democrats continue to do our job and demand that the President do his. We have passed seven pieces of legislation to end the Trump shutdown--seven. But we can't reopen this government alone. Senator McConnell should do his job to end this crisis. Now, let me be clear: By continuing this reckless shutdown, President Trump is leaving 800,000 Federal workers and 200,000 low-wage Federal contractors in the lurch. Not only is this an insult to their hard work, but it is a slap in the face for the families who have no other way to pay their bills. I have spoken to many people in my district who can't afford to buy gas to get to their jobs, jobs that they are working at day in and day out without pay. That is no way to run a country, and House Democrats won't stand for it.…”