Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) called for the Republican leadership to abandon its pursuit of a divisive social and political agenda that wreaks havoc on our society’s sensitive economy.  It is time for both parties to come to the table and work to prevent a federal government shutdown. 

“Right now, the American people want jobs and a strengthened economy, not a government shutdown which denies public services taxpayers have paid for, and jeopardizes our economic recovery,” Dingell said.  “I am committed to responsibly reducing the deficit and keeping the government fully operational.”

President Obama and Democratic Senators have demonstrated a clear willingness to avoid a shutdown by meeting House Republicans more than halfway on spending cuts.  Unfortunately, GOP leaders have refused to sign onto an agreement.   Numerous independent news reports say Republican negotiators continue to hold up the budget talks by insisting on controversial social issues that restrict women’s health services and do not help with jobs or the economy. 

“We are in two wars and our country is in-flux.  A government shutdown is harmful, not helpful.  It is not in the best interests of our country, our families, and our economy,” said Dingell.   “More than ever, our government needs to focus on America’s number one priority: creating jobs.  Shutting down the government has real consequences for America’s workers, businesses, and communities.  In addition to the 800,000 federal public servants left without a paycheck to support their families, millions of people will be left without access to critical services, including business owners, farmers, and veterans.  Even financing the debt will be more difficult — a federal government shutdown could negatively impact interest rates, disrupt American bonds, and severely cost money and interest in the United States.  I am outraged at this pathetic political game people are playing with our society at such a vulnerable time.”

Independent analysts have estimated that any shutdown will impact our economy, and one lasting more than a few days could slow our growth over the long term, severely undermining our ability to extend our recovery and put people back to work.  In addition, the Center for American Progress issued a report outlining which government services will be delayed, interrupted, or stopped if the government shuts down, including veterans’ benefits and health services.  Americans will lose a number of critical services: Social Security applications will go unprocessed, veterans will lose access to health and financial services, and troops’ pay will be put on hold.  Moreover, health services, including disease surveillance, disease hotlines, and cleanup work at toxic waste sites, will pause.  In addition, passport applications will go unprocessed; national parks and museums will close; and taxpayers could potentially lose hundreds of millions of dollars.

To view the most updated contingency plans for the federal government, click here.

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