On the recordJanuary 17, 2019
My motion to recommit amends this joint resolution, changing the date of the continuing resolution to January 15. This will ensure that Federal employees will get the retroactive pay they deserve, consistent with the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, that the President signed yesterday. The Senate will not take up, and the President will not sign, a continuing resolution through February 28. The President has made clear that he will not open the government until our Nation's border security is addressed. But, the Democrats refuse to negotiate with Republicans. They refuse to come to the table. This shutdown has caused real-world consequences for Federal employees, people who keep us safe and protect our borders, like the TSA, the Border Patrol, the air traffic controllers, and the Coast Guard. My motion will allow Federal employees to get the paychecks they recently missed. This resolution provides some relief to Federal employees, while we wait for Democrats to come to the negotiating table. We need to start working on legislation that can be enacted into law. Federal employees should not suffer because of the Democrats' refusal to negotiate. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the motion, and I yield back the balance of my time.
