Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on behalf of Megan and Rick, and their children, from Pennsylvania's Sixth. Rick answered the call after 9/11 to join the Air National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2008, and then hired as an air traffic controller on a veteran preference. Currently, the family's only income is Rick's. In day 34, Megan now is selling items online to try to get income for their family because they have no idea how long this shutdown will last. She has called their daughter's preschool to see if they can withdraw her and get a refund for the remainder of the school year. She now has an appointment with SNAP this week for food assistance for her and her family. Rick loves his job. He takes pride in what he does, but this is taking a toll on him as well. The family's last-ditch plan is to pull from their 401(k)'s and incur severe penalties to be able to keep a roof over their heads. This tragedy is playing out in household after household in my community. I am a third generation veteran. Border protection is an imperative and a real issue, but a shutdown is not the answer. I rise for the people like Megan and Rick, because shutting down the government is failed policy. ____________________”