Dear Friend,
As you may have heard, Sept. 30 is the deadline for Congress to finish a budget for the 2016 Fiscal Year. With only two days left until a government shutdown, unfortunately, the Republican majority is allowing their most extreme, uncompromising members to dictate the budget debate.
Instead of ideological talking points, Congress should be focused on efforts that help our small businesses and working families succeed. That includes crafting a budget that makes job-creating investments, encourages innovation, expands economic opportunity and responsibly reduces our deficit.
If Congress doesn’t fund the government, it will hurt our businesses, working families and the entire economy. A shutdown would affect millions of women and children who count on nutrition programs. It would hurt small businesses looking for loans through the Small Business Administration and homeowners receiving mortgages through the Federal Housing Administration. Veterans would face new delays on their claims, and states would be left to scramble to replace grant money for important programs and keep transportation and construction projects afloat.
The last time the government shut down, it cost the U.S. economy $24 billion. And right here in the First District, commercial fishermen, outdoor recreation guides and craft brewers were unable to do their jobs or sell their products and services. That’s why I urged Speaker Boehner to keep Congress in session until we come up with a deal, and why I will forgo my paycheck again if Congress fails to fund the government.
The American public deserves a serious conversation on fiscal issues, and budgeting through brinksmanship is the wrong way to legislate. Even as the clock winds down, I won’t stop pushing for a budget that expands access to opportunity and builds an economy that works for everyone.
As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you, I encourage you to contact me through my website. You may also keep up-to-date on what I’m doing by following me on Twitter, Instagramand Facebook. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, such as the IRS or the VA, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085.
Sincerely,
Suzan
