Statement on Looming Trump Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding the looming federal government shutdown that President Trump has “welcomed” despite its impact on the nation’s federal workforce:

"Since June, seven bills that were deliberated and approved by Republicans and Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee to fund the government have been waiting for a vote. Inexplicably, Republican leadership has refused to pass these bipartisan measures. Instead, in his final act as Speaker, Paul Ryan has shown complete disregard for federal workers, many of whom must work over the holidays without a guaranteed paycheck, and is allowing the government to teeter on the verge of a shutdown to appease President Trump.
 
"In the past week, our nation has been rocked by President Trump’s chaotic Administration. We’ve seen two of his cabinet secretaries abruptly resign; he’s flippantly changed our foreign policy course in Syria via tweet; he’s considered an Attorney General candidate who’s openly admitted that he’d undermine the Mueller Investigation; and he’s welcomed a shutdown just days before Christmas.
 
“Congress needs to work in the interest of the country and keep the government open. Americans are counting on us to provide stability and reassurance in the face of the Trump administration’s chaos.”