William R. Richardson: “Republicans, this is your Government shutdown, and it is now item No. 11 of the Contract With America. It is your baby…”

“Republicans, this is your Government shutdown, and it is now item No. 11 of the Contract With America. It is your baby and you are going to have to defend it. Good luck. It is unconscionable to go again on recess without reopening the Government. What you are forgetting is that you are not just hurting Federal employees. You are hurting average Americans, small businesses. Do not hide behind the balanced budget rhetoric. Who is President Clinton expected to negotiate with? Senator Dole, who is being shellacked already by the right wing? Senate Republicans who appear to be responsible? Or Gingrich and House Republicans who want a hard line? Mr. Speaker, we cannot negotiate with five Republican parties. Republicans, get your act together. This institution is not looking good these days. We are all going to have to suffer unless we get these games stopped.”