September 26, 2023

Casten Calls on Speaker McCarthy to Honor Deal and Prevent a Shutdown

Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, September 26th, 2023) - Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), made the following statement on government funding:

“Earlier this year, Speaker McCarthy met with President Biden and negotiated a deal to raise the debt limit and fund the government,” said Congressman Casten. “Now, Speaker McCarthy is going back on his word to appease the far-right members of the House Republican Conference. 

“We have five days to avoid a shutdown that would put jobs, national security, and essential benefits for American families at risk. In Illinois, 167,903 pregnant women, young mothers, infants, and children who rely on food assistance through WIC could be turned away from grocery store counters. 

“I stand with the 42,637 federal employees in Illinois—including 6,160 in my district alone— who might be furloughed and the millions of folks receiving federal benefits. We must keep the government open and working for the American people. 

“A government shutdown would disrupt the lives of each and every one of us. Speaker McCarthy must honor the deal he made in June with President Biden and prevent an unnecessary government shutdown.” 

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