By Congressman Mike Bost
Once the clock struck midnight on October 1st, the federal government officially shut down. It’s maddening we ever got to this point.
Weeks ago, I joined other House Republicans in passing a Continuing Resolution to fund the government and ensure essential services remained in place. There were no “poison pills,” no gimmicks – just a responsible plan that continues funding for our troops, veterans, seniors, farmers, and border security while we finish the annual appropriations process. Nearly every House Democrat opposed it.
The bill advanced to the Senate with plenty of time for Senate Democrats to join with Senate Republicans to reach the 60 votes necessary to get the bill to President Trump’s desk. They refused. Instead, they forced a shutdown. But why?
Well, judging by their rhetoric, it seems many D.C. Democrats are acting out of spite towards President Trump or to wreak political havoc before the midterms. However, there’s more to it than that: they’re pushing for a $1.5 trillion spending spree that funds healthcare for illegal immigrants.
Now, because of Democrats’ obstruction, veterans served by the Marion VA or in St. Louis may see delays in care and services. Families in rural communities could face interruptions in programs like the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program that helps put food on the table. Farmers may see slowdowns in USDA services they rely on during harvest. And border patrol agents will continue to do their jobs, but without the pay they deserve.
When I’m back home in Southern Illinois, I hear the same concerns again and again. They want Washington to stop with the political games. They want us to live within our means, secure our borders, and stop wasting taxpayer dollars. And they want certainty. These are simple, commonsense values.
I voted to fund essential services because it was the right thing to do. This shutdown creates uncertainty for the American people at a time we can least afford it. Rest assured, I am committed to doing my part to ensure Southern Illinoisans get the help they need from their government in full as soon as possible.
If this government closure drags on, there will be consequences for everyone, not the least of which will be all the D.C. Democrats who voted to shut it down. If they don’t think the people of Southern Illinois will see right through that, they’re kidding themselves.
