Press Releases
Tonko Sworn In, Votes to Reopen GovernmentCalls for swift action on U.S. security threats including climate change, government corruption
Washington,
January 4, 2019
Tags:
Immigration
“Thousands of New Yorkers and countless Americans are paying the price for this administration’s failed approach. We need to stop the bleeding from this shutdown, reopen and strengthen the Department of Homeland Security, and get our government employees back to work. That’s what these bills would do. What they don’t do is ask taxpayers to fund an easily-defeated border wall, an 11th Century security solution to a modern day problem.”
WASHINGTON – Following his swearing in to the 116th Congress, Congressman Paul Tonko voted to adopt a package of Democratic bills last night to end President Trump’s shutdown and reopen the federal government immediately. “These votes mark the return of the people’s House as we move to end this President’s tantrum-driven government shutdown and turn the page on an era of Republican governance by crisis that has done unprecedented harm to our national security and economic stability,” said Tonko. “Thousands of New Yorkers and countless Americans are paying the price for this administration’s failed approach. We need to stop the bleeding from this shutdown, reopen and strengthen the Department of Homeland Security, and get our government employees back to work. That’s what these bills would do. What they don’t do is ask taxpayers to fund an easily-defeated border wall, an 11th Century security solution to a modern day problem.” Recent analysis by the Center for American Progress estimates that 14,360 New Yorkers have been sent home or asked to work without pay since the President shut down the government 14 days ago. On setting the Democratic agenda for the upcoming Congress, Tonko added: “The American people sent a powerful message to Congress last November, demanding real action on climate security, gun safety, protecting people with pre-existing health conditions and the corruption in our White House. We must return to long-term economic policies that make sense for our middle class and working families. My Democratic colleagues and I are ready to answer this urgent call with smart, proven, science-driven solutions. It’s time for President Trump and his party leaders to come back to the negotiating table ready to work on these everyday issues and get back to serving the people, not just special interests and party politics.” Bills advanced by the House last night include:
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