Washington, DC – December 21, 2018… Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after Congress failed to pass either continued funding or fiscal year 2019 appropriations for the seven remaining annual bills, which will result in a partial government shutdown starting at midnight.  

“Democrats have shown their hand—they prefer open borders over an open government. As Members of Congress, we took an oath of allegiance to the United States, not those trying to enter it illegally. It is unacceptable to hold the government hostage to play political games. We can’t avoid a partial shutdown at this point, so the question is no longer “if” it will happen but “how long” it will last. I call on my Democratic colleagues in both chambers to come to the table and do what is right for our nation.

“The reality is the Democrats’ platform previously supported a border barrier, border security funding, and an increase of border patrol agents. Now, they’ve done a complete about face on these critical priorities and placed political expediency in front of delivering results for the American people. Our constituents did not send us to Washington to shut down the government. Congress needs to end this chaos and do our job. Border security is national security. It’s time for Democrats to stop blocking efforts to secure our Southern Border and protect our communities.”

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense, military construction-veterans affairs, and labor-health and human services subcommittees. Additionally, he co-chairs the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform.

womack.house.gov

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