This is a very critical time for our country. We face a deadline of 12:00 a.m. Tuesday to pass legislation to fund the federal government or face a possible government shutdown. That is not what I, or any of my Republican colleagues want. Members of the House of Representatives remained at the Capitol all weekend long working to make sure our government stays open to the American people.

Late Saturday night, for the second time in as many weeks, we passed legislation to keep the government running. That particular proposal would fully fund critical government services, put Obamacare rate hikes and uncertainty on hold for one year, protect pay for our troops, and stop Obamacare's medical innovation tax permanently.  

Rather than consider our legislation right away, the Senate went home for the weekend and won't be reconvening until 2:00 today. That is not the way to serve the American people just hours before the government's funding deadline.

There is still time for the Senate to work together with House Republicans to keep the government open. Our proposed solutions present wonderful opportunities for bipartisanship. Both sides can agree that the government should remain open. Both sides can agree that every American should receive fair treatment under Obamacare. Both sides can agree that the innovation-hampering Medical Device Tax should be repealed; in fact, more than thirty Senate Democrats have already supported legislation to do just that. But for both sides to reach such an agreement, the Senate has to come to the negotiating table and do its part.