U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN C. FLEMING, M.D.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman John Fleming, M.D. released the following statement after learning from a Financial Services Committee report that the Obama Administration and Treasury Department conducted exercises during the financial crises of 2011 and 2013 proving that the government could function during a shutdown by prioritizing specific government obligations over others. The Obama Administration hid these findings from Congress and the public. 

“The House report says Obama used ‘debt ceiling subterfuge’ to 'maximize pressure on Congress.' In other words, he deliberately lied to create a false crisis. By hiding the fact that the Administration was prioritizing essential government spending programs - such as Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and payments on our debt – and instead saying we're, 'not paying all of our bills on time’ - he knew he was making a false statement.

“Time and time again the President has proven he will put his own political interests ahead of the American people. However, his own Administration’s simulations reveal what we’ve known all along: we can make good on our promises without spending away our future to do it."