Smith Calls for Negotiations

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement regarding the government shutdown and President Obama’s remarks today:

“More than a week after the government shutdown began, President Obama and Senator Reid still refuse to negotiate with Republicans. Finding a solution will not be easy, but it will be impossible as long as only one side is willing to talk.”

Background:

In the absence of an agreement on a full Continuing Resolution, the House has passed several bills which would fund and reopen government priorities including:

• pediatric cancer research,
• veterans benefits,
• the National Guard and Army Reserve,
• disaster relief,
• backpay for furloughed federal employees,
• food inspections,
• nutrition assistance for low income women and children,
• headstart programs, and
• national parks, memorials, and monuments.

These bills were passed with both Republican and Democrat votes in the House, and have not been considered by the U.S. Senate.