WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement from her office in Washington this morning:

"We did everything we could to avoid a shutdown but Harry Reid has closed the door at every turn. I am working tirelessly to fight for my constituents and the American people. It is Harry Reid who has caused federal employees to be furloughed. All he has to do is appoint conferees and come to the negotiating table so we can resolve our differences. I believe that as we get closer to the federal government running out of money, President Obama and Senator Reid will have to negotiate with us. Based on this timeline, I believe these issues will be resolved before November 1st. However, in the unfortunate event that they do not come to the table, I will stand with all federal workers and have my paycheck withheld."

"Today I sent a letter to the House Chief Administrative Officer, asking that my paycheck be withheld while the government is shutdown. I have been fighting against this shutdown everyday and will continue to work to ensure that President Obama and Senator Reid come to the negotiating table and work with us to provide a reasonable solution to this that ensures we act responsibly for all Americans."

Click here to view the letter Congresswoman Ellmers sent to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Click here to read this morning's article in the Fayetteville Observer on Congresswoman Ellmers' fight to get Fort Bragg employees paid and working during the shutdown.

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