News Home

"After today’s unanimous vote from the House of Representatives to ensure the immediate distribution of final expense payments and survivor benefits from the Department of Defense, the shameful delay of that certainty will be resolved. The men and women who bravely and selflessly volunteer to wear America’s uniform and then give their lives providing for her defense are guardians of our freedom, and we are forever in their debt." Read more »

Thursday I will be attending a meeting at the White House with members of the House Republican leadership team. It is my hope that the President intends to use this time to begin good-faith negotiations with House Republicans to fund our government while ensuring fair treatment for all Americans under Obamacare, and to find common ground on critical spending reforms. Read more »

“House Republicans want to meet with Senate Democrats to find a bipartisan solution to reopen the federal government fully, but the Senate first needs to agree to be part of those talks. Refusing to negotiate a fair end to the shutdown or a fiscally responsible solution to America’s debt crisis is childish and unreasonable, particularly when divided government requires bipartisanship.” Read more »

“The common ground we share on the issue of making sure employees are compensated on schedule for their service should take precedence over any ideological crusade or desire to prove a point about ‘not negotiating.’ It is my hope Senate Democrats will take up this legislation quickly and agree to appoint Senators to come to the negotiating table to have a conversation with House Republicans about how we can work through our differences, reopen government, and be on the same team as we confront the coming debt ceiling.” Read more »

“House Republicans would still prefer to re-open our government all at once – and certainly as soon as possible, but it is impossible for us to shape a fair, bipartisan solution to do so when we are the only ones willing to sit down, talk to the other side, and negotiate. The fact that refusal to have a conversation has become the hallmark of Senate and Presidential leadership these days concerns me greatly, particularly as our country’s debt crisis demands swift action and actual leadership from the White House.” Read more »

The House of Representatives did the right thing today by providing some peace of mind to individuals who have been furloughed because the Democrat Senate refuses to negotiate an agreement to re-open the federal government. The President has said he is willing to remove the pain and inconvenience of Washington’s dysfunction for federal workers, but has threatened to veto bipartisan proposals which would do the same for other Americans. The President’s inconsistency should be questioned. Read more »

"While the House of Representatives waits for the Senate to come to the table and work out a fair plan to end this shutdown, we’re going to keep doing whatever we can to ensure Washington’s dysfunction doesn’t cause any more inconvenience or pain for the American people. These smaller funding bills give us a bipartisan opportunity to do what’s best for the country while we seek resolution with the Senate and President. There is no excuse to dismiss these proposals." Read more »

“Republicans and Democrats in the House found common ground and passed legislation to solve those problems today, just like we did when we passed legislation to ensure active duty military wouldn’t have their pay disrupted. We urge Senate Democrats to do their part .These proposals offer common ground. Let’s build on it." Read more »

A few days ago we passed legislation that specifically directed members of the military to continue being paid in the event of a shutdown. The President signed that legislation. Today we took similar steps to remove the symptoms of shutdown for Americans who rely on medical studies and innovative treatment options, and visitors to our national parks. Commonsense legislation should create common ground..." Read more »

“Just as Obamacare passed on purely partisan votes, the President’s legacy of partisanship continues. House Republicans, though, are willing to lead and will continue to try and find common ground with Democrats to open this government.” Read more »