U.S. Senator Katie Britt discussed the ongoing government shutdown on ABC News yesterday, in which she blasted Democrats for failing to prioritize government funding and protect vulnerable Americans.
During the interview, Britt said Republicans are prepared to work immediately to reopen the government, urging Democrats to return to the negotiating table.
“Look, we’re ready to open the government today. We have a lot of work to do for the American people, and Republicans stand ready to do that,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said.
“We have asked our Democratic colleagues to come to the table to open the government so that we can continue to do the work of the American people. I think it’s clear that you can walk and chew gum at the same time, so we can continue to talk about important things in front of the American people while we work to actually fund the government … And I am hopeful that they will come to their senses and realize the people that are being put at stake here.”
Britt also called the shutdown “absolutely premature,” noting its potential impact on critical programs for vulnerable populations.
“To shut the government down right now is absolutely premature when you’re looking at all of the work we have in front of us for the American people,” Britt said. “We’re supposed to be funding the government. And if you want to talk about health care, why in the world would you let WIC, as you just reported, go dry in some areas? That’s for women, infant and children. That’s for the most vulnerable amongst us… It makes absolutely no sense.”
Britt contrasted Republican and Democratic leadership on funding priorities, criticizing what she called Democrats’ history of inaction.
“[I]f you look back to Democrats’ past track record under Chuck Schumer, they didn’t put one appropriations bill on the floor. Not one the entire time that he was leader last year, which led us to a CR at the beginning of this year,” she said. “If you take the contrast to that, Leader John Thune actually put three appropriations bills on the floor before we even left for the state work period in August. We are leaps and bounds ahead of where they were at this point in time (last Congress) … People are sick of political theater, and especially at the price of America’s most vulnerable. That’s what Democrats have chosen today. That’s what they have chosen for the last eight days.”
The Alabama senator also announced she would withhold her pay for the duration of the shutdown in solidarity with federal workers and military personnel.
“I stand with the brave men and women in uniform [who] are not going to get a paycheck as of the beginning of next week,” Britt said. “There is no way, if we can’t figure out how to do our job up here, that we should be getting paid while other people are not. And I hope that everyone, but in particular my Democratic colleagues that have chosen this path, this path that is not necessary, should absolutely be withholding their pay as well.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
