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Gallagher's Statement on Government Shutdown

January 20, 2018

Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Mike Gallagher released the following statement in response to the government shutdown:

"Two days ago in the House, we did our part to keep the U.S. government open, and work toward an agreement that will get us out from under budgetary dysfunction. I'm disappointed by Senate Democrats' reckless decision to do the opposite and hold all our nation's priorities hostage to DACA—an important issue, but one that should be negotiated separately.

By doing so, Senate Democrats have put children, families, and veterans at risk of losing access to vital programs they depend on for their livelihoods. This failure is unacceptable and we cannot continue this constant cycle of careening from one budgetary crisis to the next.

If other federal employees—if our troops—are not getting paid, then neither should Congress which is why I'm sponsoring the Pay Our Protectors, Not Our Politicians Act. During the shutdown I will be donating the pay I receive to charity, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same."