As has been widely reported, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and his Senate Democratic colleagues forced a federal government shutdown that began this morning.  I wanted to provide you with the statement I released early this morning on this important issue as an update as I continue to work with my colleagues to bring Senate Democrats back to the table to reopen the government.  

“When Members of Congress are sworn in, we swear to uphold the Constitution and defend the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. This solemn oath is freely given by the men and women elected to serve in the United States Congress, and it is an oath that I take very seriously. Today, I was deeply saddened to witness Senator Schumer and Senate Democrats ignore that responsibility to engage in partisan posturing.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan measure to support our men and women in uniform, reauthorize health care for 9 million children in need, and keep the government open. Senator Schumer and his colleagues abandoned sound policymaking and forced the upheaval of a government shutdown in a partisan effort to advance their immigration priorities. Until Senator Schumer is willing to negotiate, our men and women in uniform will be unnecessarily constrained, our national security put in jeopardy and children will find critical health care at risk. I share in the American people’s frustration with Senator Schumer and I pray that he will join us in funding the government.”

This morning, I was also able to speak on the Schumer Shutdown.  Please click the image below to view my speech.

Please click the image above to view my remarks.