On the recordSeptember 28, 2013
I thank the chair. Mr. Speaker, the government should stay open. I support the legislation, but it can be improved. All employees who work without pay should be paid on time, including, for example, the CIA. I went to the memorial service where the CIA employees were killed in Khost; and they're side by side with the American military. The FBI, who is on the scene in Kenya now, investigating al-Shabab and the attack; DEA, Customs and Border Patrol agents, prison guards, doctors and nurses at VA hospitals, air traffic controllers, and Federal firefighters, many who gave their lives fighting wildfires around the country. Otherwise, they would be working without pay if the government closes. I believe that all Federal employees should be paid. We should not forget that several Federal employees were killed at the Navy Yard. I went to the memorial service and saw the pain of their families. And the CNO, who spoke, said they were supporting the fleet. So in closing, I am going to support this amendment; but Federal employees and their families should not be punished because the administration and the Congress cannot agree.
