[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

  (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today deeply frustrated that so many 
Members on the other side of the aisle seem determined to shut down the 
government and create a national crisis of massive proportions.
  Let's be clear. We are not asking Republicans to break new ground. We 
are only asking them to live up to the bipartisan budget agreement that 
a majority on both sides of the aisle already voted for and passed the 
House. We are only asking them to support the essential programs 
critical to veterans, seniors, childcare programs, working families, 
farmers, and retirees; the people I care about and came to serve 
because, again, let's be clear, if they force a government shutdown, 
these are the people who will suffer most.
  Veterans won't receive their full benefits, retirees will lose their 
economic security and medical care, and our businesses will face 
massive economic turmoil. For what? A political stunt created by 
extremists who care more about riling up their base than helping their 
constituents.
  Every one of us here swore an oath to serve our constituents. It is 
time to live up to that oath.

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