[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 16, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            SHUTDOWN STORIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call for an 
immediate end to President Trump's irresponsible and unnecessary 
government shutdown which has now entered its 26th day.
  People in my home State of New Hampshire and across this country are 
suffering and they are put at risk because of this manufactured crisis.
  One woman wrote into my office: ``My two girls and I count on the 
auto deposit from their dad. If this goes on, we will not be able to 
buy food, pay bills, or buy gasoline.''
  Another constituent wrote: ``We are not okay with a shutdown for a 
wall or for any other reason. We are not pawns on a chessboard.''
  The wife of a Coast Guard member spoke of the sacrifices that their 
family has already made for this country. And now they are facing the 
uncertainty of even being able to pay their mortgage.
  We take an oath to protect and defend this country. Safety is our 
number one job. And, yet, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, DEA 
agents, and even, ironically, Border Patrol agents are not receiving 
their pay, and our safety is at risk.
  One of the most heart-wrenching stories that I have heard is that 
domestic violence shelters in New Hampshire and across this country are 
cutting services to women and children whose lives are at risk. These 
stories go on and on.
  Who in our society are truly being hurt by President Trump's 
shutdown: women and children; seniors; and veterans, whose health, 
safety, and well-being are put at risk by his intransigence.
  Here in the House we have voted repeatedly to reopen the government 
and the Senate should follow suit. I urge the President to end this 
shutdown so we can focus on the hard work that is expected of us by the 
American people.
  Democrats and Republicans in this Congress agree that we need 
comprehensive immigration reform and 21st century border security.
  Now is the time to reopen the government so that we can work together 
in good faith to advance meaningful legislation that will strengthen 
and protect our country. Mr. McConnell and President Trump, do your 
job.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are again reminded to address their 
remarks to the Chair.

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