[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 29 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                   ELIMINATE SHUTDOWN TACTIC FOREVER

  (Mr. PHILLIPS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PHILLIPS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand before you as a Member 
of the most diverse freshman class in our Nation's history, sent to 
Washington to inspire collaboration and rebuild the American people's 
faith in their elected leaders. But much of our tenure in Congress has 
been spent under a shutdown, proving the American people were right to 
demand change.
  This dynamic must stop. To that end, Representatives Houlahan, 
Slotkin, Allred, and I rallied an energetic group of 22 freshman 
Members, nearly one-third of the entire class, behind the Shutdown to 
End All Shutdowns Act, known as the SEAS Act.
  As we near agreement and the fear and immediacy of a shutdown fades, 
I will not forget the conversations I had with Federal employees, 
parents, and business owners in my district--the real human stories of 
the shutdown.
  It would be irresponsible and unforgivable for us to betray them once 
again. They are not political pawns, and many provide the very safety 
and security we cherish in this country. That is why I stand here to 
urge the passing of the SEAS Act, to eliminate this destructive tactic 
from the negotiation toolbox forever.

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