On the recordOctober 16, 2013
While I hope today is the last day of the senseless government shutdown, I want to share a part of a letter from one of my constituents, Lindsay Smith, a medical student and 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force's Health Professions Scholarship Program. She writes: On October 15, I woke up anxious. I took a shower, ate breakfast, and right before I left for class, I held my breath and checked my bank account--no deposit. I am not getting paid during this ridiculous government shutdown game of chicken. Today, I got to call my electric and cell phone providers to ask for an extension of my mid- month bills. Ensuring I eat has become the most pressing issue in my life. I wish more than anything that I could share my story with those Members of Congress who are keeping this stupid shutdown charade going. The Affordable Care Act has passed all three levels of government. That's how democracy works. Because our elected representatives couldn't think about the big picture and in light of the Republican Party agenda to block anything and everything coming out of the Oval Office, thousands of Federal employees and non-Active Duty military members are having to make the choice between eating and paying bills. The pettiness is messing up people's lives, the people who support and defend you. You should be endlessly ashamed of yourselves. Thank you, Lieutenant Smith, for letting us know and for reminding us of the impact of our actions on real lives. ____________________
