Washington, D.C.–Center for American Progress Action Fund CEO Neera Tanden released the following statement tonight on the government shutdown:
Here are the facts: there was a bipartisan solution on the table to fund the government long term, protect Dreamers, and fund healthcare for children. President Donald Trump repeatedly said that he wanted to solve all of these problems, and even promised on national television that he would sign a bipartisan agreement on Dreamers if Congress could reach one. But when Congress did so, the “Art of the Deal” president rejected the agreement out of hand. Rather than remain at the negotiating table, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wasted precious time pushing a plan he knew would fail. Members of his own party voted against it.
This shutdown was completely avoidable and unnecessary. Republicans control the White House and both houses of Congress, but are more interested in blaming Democrats than finding solutions to real issues. Sadly, it’s par for the course for a presidency marked by nonstop chaos and division. President Trump, Leader McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan must remain at the negotiating table with Congressional Democrats and pass a bipartisan solution that provides necessary certainty to our government, our military, and to Americans.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Allison Preiss at [email protected] or 202.478.6331.