Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, we are just a few days away from a potential government shutdown that has been engineered by the extreme right-wing. This comes after President Biden negotiated a bipartisan budget deal with Speaker McCarthy back in May to fund the government, making sure the United States did not default on its financial obligations and protecting our economy from disaster. Both the Senate and the House passed this bipartisan deal.
Speaker McCarthy has not brought this deal to the floor. Now, a small faction of extremists are holding our government hostage and blocking the passage of crucial funding bills. If these extremists continue to be unyielding and proceed with a government shutdown, they are jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of Americans, jeopardizing the overall economy, and threatening our national security.
Congress cannot let these extremists thrust our economy into chaos, plunge millions of Americans into unemployment and poverty, and deprive children and our most vulnerable populations of vital services and resources. With the deadline to avoid a government shutdown rapidly approaching, I recently joined my colleagues from the New Democrat Coalition in urging Speaker McCarthy to reject the extremists and focus on passing a bipartisan government funding bill to avert a self-inflicted economic catastrophe.
I am committed to preventing this avoidable crisis – and I will be working hard to ensure that Congress keeps our government open.
While extreme right-wing conservatives charge towards a government shutdown, House Democrats continue working for the people and delivering lower costs, creating good jobs, and building safer communities for American families.
Last week, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure welcomed Secretary Pete Buttigieg to discuss the success of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the critical infrastructure investments that are creating jobs, reducing congestion, boosting our economy, and improving the quality of life for Americans across the country. These resources are already being put to work in our community and ensuring our region remains a thriving place to live, work, and raise a family.
As the founder and co-chair of the Women Veterans Task Force, I am proud to continue our work to recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation’s women veterans – and to provide them with the benefits, services, and care they have earned and deserve. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with women veterans of the Wounded Warriors Project and discuss the 2023 Women Warriors Report, a new comprehensive study that shows the unique experiences and challenges women veterans face accessing health care, achieving financial wellness, adjusting to civilian life, and so much more. Women are the fastest growing segment of the veteran population, and I am committed to taking action to ensure our country meets their needs. I am also fighting to keep the Women Veterans Task Force working for our veterans, despite the fact that the Majority allowed its authorization to lapse on September 22nd.
On National Voters Registration Day, House Democrats introduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy, and our democracy thrives when everyone actively participates in it. This bill is critical to protecting the right to vote and ensuring that every eligible American has access to the ballot box.
For more information on my work in Congress, please visit my website at juliabrownley.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
It is my honor to represent you and fight for your priorities in Congress, and my office remains open to continue to serve you. As always, if you or someone you know needs assistance with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to help!
Sincerely,
JULIA BROWNLEY
Member of Congress