Benjamin Gilman: “I am pleased to commend the gentleman from Kentucky, the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice…”

“I am pleased to commend the gentleman from Kentucky, the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations, Mr. Rogers, for his leadership in seeking to override the President's veto and put the employees of several important Federal agencies back to work. Time is of the essence for them to return back to work and to get their salaries restored. Vital services need to be resumed. This motion to override the President's veto is the right thing to do. As the chairman of our Committee on International Relations, I am concerned about the impact that the continued shutdown of the State Department is having on American citizens, both here and abroad. One key activity of the State Department affected is the operation of our domestic passport offices located in our major cities. Our colleagues have heard from constituents who have been unable to obtain their passports, causing hardship to U.S. businesses, to students, and others who need to travel overseas. Our embassies and consulates overseas are not providing any visa services to foreigners seeking to come to our country, including au pairs, who must obtain a J-1 visa to enter our country. Our passport offices and visa services should be resumed as quickly as possible. Commerce and tourism are vital to our Nation's economy. These vital services should be restored immediately.”