On the recordDecember 13, 2018
As he points out, these discussions are not just about the schedule for the short term. They are about, however, a schedule as to what policies we are going to address, when we are going to address them, and how we are going to address them. In that context, Mr. Speaker, the majority leader was, I think, rightfully proud of the fact that the committee had reported out all 12 appropriations bills by the August break, and we had passed seven of those appropriations bills on the floor and sent them to the Senate. Sadly, however, Mr. Speaker, we are now 12 days before Christmas. There was a meeting at the White House about 48 hours ago, at which time there was a debate or discussion on TV, which the American people saw, and the President of the United States said: ``I will shut down the government, absolutely.'' And then he said: ``I am proud to shut down the government.'' Mr. Speaker, shutting down the government is stupid. Shutting down the government is costly. Shutting down the government creates great uncertainty, not only among those who work for the Federal Government, but everybody who relies on the daily activities of the Federal Government. We should not shut down the government. My side Mr. Speaker, has offered to the President of the United States, and to all of us, two alternatives. One is that we pass a CR for the balance of the year for all bills.…
