On the recordOctober 4, 2013
Our democracy is supposed to be the example for the world. But the example we have set with this Republican government shutdown is beyond shameful. Some of my Republican colleagues are actually celebrating this shutdown, saying: ``This is exactly what they wanted.'' Who are they listening to? It certainly isn't the American people. I fear the survivors of Hurricane Sandy, who have lost everything, will be left without the relief they need. That the 31,000 Federal workers in New Jersey on furlough will wonder how they will make ends meet. I worry about the veterans who have fought for this country but have come home to broken promises. And the more than 9 million women, infants, and children who will be cut from WIC, the nutritional assistance they need to survive. We cannot choose winners and losers in this fight. I urge my Republican colleagues to act responsibly. Bring a clean CR to the floor and let's start working for the American people again, because they shouldn't have to suffer for the Republicans' inability to govern any longer. ____________________
