On the recordJanuary 22, 2019
I think until the end of February, which would allow us to debate appropriate border security in a committee process in the House and in the Senate, working together with this administration and the President. There would be give and take. There would be compromises. I think we should get back to doing the people's business in an appropriate fashion, without taking hostages, because it is simply wrong. We should not let the American public think that we have lost sight of what the regular order of the United States Congress is to pass appropriations bills and, ultimately, to pass a budget. That is where this incredibly egregious activity is taking place in recent years. I think we know that, at some point, there will be a series of compromises, and we will reopen government. So why don't we just do it sooner rather than later and end the pain and anguish of hundreds of thousands of people who are protecting our security--they are hardworking men and women of our country--without paychecks? All the other independent contractors who do business with the government and who have employees or have small businesses, like that Subway sandwich shop in Fresno or the market or the kabob restaurant, let these people do what they do best--work hard and make a living for themselves and their families, and contribute to our economy--because what we are doing right now is wrong.
