The government is still closed this week thanks to the unwillingness of Senate Democrats to agree to a clean continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels. During a House Judiciary Committee field hearing last week in Charlotte, we spoke about the soft-on-crime policies that led to the tragic killing of Iryna Zarutska and I heard the loved ones of the victims of these policies and heard their stories firsthand. I also had the pleasure of meeting with constituents across the Sixth District, hearing directly about their priorities, visiting local schools, and speaking with bright students about government and the issues facing our nation. As we head into another week, I urge Senate Democrats to return to end the shutdown politics and re-open the government.
The Price of Schumer’s Shutdown
Senate Democrats have forced the first government shutdown since 2019 by blocking a clean Continuing Resolution. House Republicans passed supported a straightforward bill that would have kept the government open, maintained critical services, and preserved operations for the next seven weeks. A CR is meant to be a short-term bridge, not a vehicle for a $1.5 trillion partisan wish list. Nevertheless, Chuck Schumer chose politics over people and shut down the government rather than accept a clean funding bill.
Even some Democrats recognize this move as a reckless grab for power, as three moderate Senators joined Republicans because they understand families deserve stability, not brinkmanship. About 65% of Americans oppose this Democrat-led government shutdown, but now families are paying the price. WIC, Social Security, and SNAP applications may be delayed. Veterans Affairs staff, Border Patrol agents, law enforcement, and ICE officers are working without pay. These hardworking Americans should not be caught in the middle of Democrats’ political games. Families plan their budgets every month. They don’t get to spend recklessly and stick their kids with the bill, yet Democrats are demanding to spend $1.5 trillion just to keep the government open for one month.
Senate Democrats have previously supported a CR 13 times under the Biden Administration. Democrats have made it clear that their goal is taxpayer-funded health care, including coverage for illegal immigrants. That is why they shut down the government, and 99% of House Democrats supported it. If just a few more Senate Democrats join the three moderates who broke ranks, the shutdown could end in hours. This shutdown also halts negotiations on the 12 appropriations bills that fund government operations. Normally, differences between House and Senate bills are worked out in conference committees, but that process stops while the government remains closed. Each day of the government costs taxpayers $48 billion. I encourage Senate Democrats to set aside political games and work with Republicans to reopen the government and deliver the stability the American people expect and deserve.
Combating Violent Crime In American Cities
It’s clear that major cities across the United States have law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges who enforce soft-on-crime policies that only endanger innocent Americans. I’m tired of reading headlines about lives cut short at the hands of career criminals. Take the murder of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who fled a war in search of safety and security here in America. Tragically, a career criminal with 14 prior arrests took her life on a public transit system. Whether you live in the Commonwealth, New York City, or Charlotte, no American should have to fear for their personal safety, and no family should have to wonder if their loved one will make it home at night. In fact, 71% of Americans say crime levels in our cities are unacceptably high.
Last week, the House Judiciary Committee held a field hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina. We heard directly from the families of victims about how soft-on-crime policies have torn their lives apart. As a former assistant prosecutor, I know firsthand how devastating these stories are and I have fought to seek justice for victims of violent crime. At the hearing, I made it clear that all three parts of our justice system – law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges – must work together to hold career criminals accountable and keep them off our streets. I will not stand by while weak prosecutors allow repeat offenders to walk free, fueling the revolving door of crime that puts every American at risk.
Remembering October 7th
On October 7, 2023, the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hamas launched a brutal attack on our ally Israel, killing more than 1,200 innocent civilians and taking over 250 people hostage. Today, we remember that dark day and pray for the safe return of every individual still held captive. May God bring peace and protection to Israel and her people. The United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and make clear that those responsible will face justice. We cannot allow terrorism to dictate the future of the Middle East or threaten the safety of our allies.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.
