The Indian American lawmaker says he will “fight to pass a responsible budget that funds our military, CHIP, and other vital initiatives while protecting Dreamers.”
Illinois Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi says if there is a federal government shutdown his office will remain open, and he will donate his paycheck to charities “for the duration of the shutdown.”
“In the event of a shutdown, our active duty military will continue their operations at home and abroad while Social Security, Medicare, and the Veterans Administration will continue to function as usual for two weeks,” the congressmen said in a statement. “For the rest of today and through any shutdown, I’ll continue to fight to pass a responsible budget that funds our military, CHIP, and other vital initiatives while protecting Dreamers.”
With less than 8 hours remaining for averting the shutdown, Senate Democrats and the White House are scrambling to reach a deal Friday afternoon.
President Trump has delayed his weekend trip to Mar-a-Lago, as last-minute efforts are underway to reach a deal.
Senate Democrats are for now insisting on extending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for allowing the passage of the so-called Continuing Resolution—or short-term spending bill—that will provide the money to keep the government open.
In his statement, Indian American lawmaker Krishnamurthi said, “If our government shuts down tonight, my office will remain open every day to assist my constituents until the government reopens, and I’ll be donating my paycheck to charities in our community for the duration of the shutdown.”
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