Chris Pappas: “Republicans are willing to work as long as possible and as long as needed to avoid a government shutdown. As evidence of…”

“Republicans are willing to work as long as possible and as long as needed to avoid a government shutdown. As evidence of our good faith, Republicans have been working with the other side since the spring to make sure that the government can remain operating while our differences are resolved. The differences between the two parties are real, despite the constant efforts by some to portray disagreements between conservatives and liberals as partisan politics. In fact, Democrats and Republicans have profound philosophical differences about government's role in society that make conflict inevitable and healthy in a democracy. Vigorous debate with each side fighting for its beliefs is the hallmark of democracy, and suggestions to the contrary are mistaken. Republicans believe that the Federal Government is too big, too powerful and too intrusive in our lives. Liberals strongly disagree and, in fact, propose new government programs each and every year. We might disagree, but we do not wish to shut the government down. Mr. President, do not shut the government down.”