[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 2 (Thursday, January 4, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

  (Mr. RICHARDSON asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RICHARDSON. 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.

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