Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released this statement in light of the Trump and Republican government shutdown.

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have made the reckless and cruel decision to shut down the government because they don’t want to protect affordable healthcare for millions of hard-working American families. This decision has already thrown into chaos the lives and livelihoods of millions of hard-working American families and public servants.

Let’s be clear about what this shutdown means. For starters, hundreds of thousands of federal employees – our families, friends, and neighbors – have been immediately and indefinitely furloughed without pay. Countless federal contractors and their workers will be impacted, too. For so many of these families, receiving a paycheck every month is essential to keeping a roof over their heads, food on the table, and ensuring access to other lifesaving necessities. Trump and Republicans have shown zero concern for the real human cost of the Republican shutdown. We’ve seen this before: During the historically long Trump shutdown in 2018, families were forced to take payday loans, racked up debt, and suffered long-term economic consequences as a result of his folly. Trump and Republicans are taking us down that road again.

The Republican shutdown also has serious consequences for the economy. Vital agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development are now unable to fully operate, threatening the stability of families in federally assisted housing. Meanwhile, the National Flood Insurance Program is unable to issue new policies, would largely be unable to pay out flood insurance claims, and its flood mapping process would ultimately come to a halt – all during the height of hurricane season. The Securities and Exchange Commission has furloughed 91 percent of its staff, leaving financial markets and investors at great risk at a time when strong oversight is needed most. Small businesses, too, will be greatly impacted with key loan programs stalled and federal contracts halted. And delays in releasing economic data will cloud decision-making for the Federal Reserve, businesses, and investors and further disrupt the economy.

Make no mistake: Republicans own this shutdown, as they control the House, Senate, and the White House. But it’s not too late for them to reverse course, restore the healthcare of working-class families, reopen the government, and rein in this reckless and failed President.”

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