On the recordOctober 5, 2013
I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, it is critical that the House pass H.R. 3223 to ensure that our dedicated Federal employees are made whole and receive backpay once this shutdown comes to an end. Federal employees have been the subject of relentless attacks on their pay and benefits over the last 3 years. This bill is the least we should do. Our hardworking public servants should not become collateral damage in the political games and ideological wars that the Republicans are waging. I would hope that we would have a unanimous vote, because there are so many people that are living from paycheck to paycheck, and they need our vote. I would suggest that we open up the entire government so that all of our employees can get back to work, and I yield back the balance of my time.
