Julia Brownley: “This is the final amendment to H.R. 3273. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. My…”

“This is the final amendment to H.R. 3273. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. My amendment is a simple, straightforward improvement that I believe both sides can agree is absolutely necessary, and it is also supported by the majority of the American people. If my amendment passes, it will end this reckless and irresponsible government shutdown. The majority claims that the bill before us right now will force the House and Senate to negotiate; but as written, this bill will do nothing of the sort. It will simply prolong the government shutdown. It will prolong the pain being done to our veterans, to the National Guard and Reserves, and to women, infants, and children; and, most importantly, this bill will prolong the pain being inflicted on our economy. Let's be clear, this bill is a bill to nowhere. In my view, there is no one in this room right now who thinks this bill will reopen the government. Since April, the Senate has tried 19 times to request a conference with the House; but each time, the request was blocked by Senate Republicans. After months of stalling and preventing a budget conference, I am amazed that my friends on the other side of the aisle want us to believe that they are ready to negotiate a budget. We have had months to produce a budget that the House and Senate could agree on. If my colleagues truly want to negotiate a budget that will move our country forward, they must vote ``yes'' on my amendment.…”