On the recordJanuary 24, 2019
I want to share the story of Doris, a constituent from Palmetto Bay, Florida. Doris works as an investigative program officer for the Department of Homeland Security. For over 27 years, she has devoted her life to the safety and the security of our community. Today marks the 34th day of this irresponsible shutdown. It also marks the 34th day that Doris will be going to work without getting a paycheck. She has received notice that her department will miss a second pay period; something that her supervisor has told her will affect her retirement status. This nightmare has affected her financially, mentally, and emotionally. She is terrified about having to default on her mortgage and not having enough money to cover her car payments or put food on the table. Later today, Doris is planning to stand in line at a nearby parking lot to receive a head of lettuce and some tomatoes from a local food bank. Is this what the administration thought of when they initiated this shutdown? Is this what the greatest country in the world has succumbed to? It angers me to know that Doris is being used as pawn to fulfill a campaign promise. Madam Speaker, I say to the President that we do our jobs and he does his. Open the government. ____________________
