Mike Quigley: “Responsibly funding the Federal Government is one of the most important duties of Congress. The previous majority failed…”

“Responsibly funding the Federal Government is one of the most important duties of Congress. The previous majority failed to do the most basic task of keeping the lights on. {time} 1515 On day 19 of the 116th Congress, we Democrats are here to reopen Federal agencies shuttered by the President's shutdown. This legislation, which has already garnered strong bipartisan support in the Senate, will ensure that the Federal Government is open and working for the American people. Now, as to perfection, it is not perfect. I have not been here for a perfect piece of legislation. What is critical to take from that argument, though, is the fact that any one of us can argue that there isn't some measure absolutely critical to them and they are not going to vote for it because of that. Respectfully, someone has to be the adult in the room and get things done. Someone has to respect the process, the importance of what the government does, and the needs of the American people. You can't kick the ball in the forest preserve and go home. You have to move forward. This is the way to operate, the manner in which the Senate has already done, a manner in which we can accomplish and move forward together to try to get this better, hopefully, next year. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).”