Congressman comments on government shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today released the following statement after the White House and Congress failed to reach an agreement on spending legislation which has resulted in a federal government shutdown:

“It’s regrettable and disappointing that once again Washington is not serving the American people. The partisan bickering and name-calling in Washington has to stop. As a doctor in the operating room for the last 30 years, I have always worked with others to address problems. That’s the way Congress should work too. Since the beginning of this debate, I have been looking for bipartisan solutions that keep the government open while putting the brakes on the President’s health care law. I supported multiple measures to keep the government open, but the President and Senate Democrats refused to come to the negotiating table and instead chose to shut the government down. And while I know there will be much finger pointing as to who is at fault for this standoff, my responsibility is to continue to do the people’s business. All of my offices are open this Tuesday morning as they are each week. We will continue to do our best to help any constituents in need.”