Politics & Government

McCollum on Federal Government Shutdown: 'Manufactured Political Crisis'

The federal government shut down Tuesday for the first time since 1995.

As the federal government shut down Tuesday for the first time in 17 years, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who represents Stillwater, said it was “inspired and executed by a Tea Party Republican faction.”

Congressional leaders had worked on a short-term spending package, but were unable to reach an agreement, meaning most government functions have been halted. Proposed legislation also included delays in the implementation of Obamacare.

McCollum, a Democrat, called the shutdown a “manufactured political crisis.”

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“It has been inspired and executed by a Tea Party Republican faction that controls House leadership and refuses to fulfill the most basic function of Congress—to appropriate funds to ensure government operations continue,” she said in a statement.

McCollum said House Democrats worked toward an “honest and responsible solution” to continue funding the government.

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“But that wasn’t enough for these GOP extremists who have now succeeded at holding the federal government and the American people hostage because of their obsession with destroying the Affordable Care Act,” she said.

McCollum said she fully supports Obamacare. “Gutting ObamaCare is non-negotiable.”

“Unfortunately, this GOP shutdown will not end without citizens across the country—Democrats, Independents, and common-sense Republicans—taking action and rising up against the madness of a Republican Party dangerously out of control,” she said. “The time for citizen engagement and action is now.”

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