Rep. Mike Simpson Criticizes Democrats Over Government Shutdown's Impact on Federal Employees and National Parks

Blame for the Government Shutdown

• 🎯 House Republicans are stated to have voted to open the government, while House Democrats are accused of voting to shut it down and keep it closed.
• 💡 A clean, short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) was offered by Republicans, which Democrats initially wanted but then voted against.

Impact on American People and Federal Employees

• ⚠️ Democrats claim to care about the American people, but their actions during the shutdown are presented as evidence to the contrary.
• 📉 The shutdown is causing damage, including federal employees not getting paid, which the speaker argues shows Democrats do not truly care about them.
• 🔑 The shutdown is framed as being driven by two leaders trying to keep their jobs, rather than genuine concern for the public.

National Parks and Public Lands

• 🏞️ National parks, described as "America's best idea," are facing potential irreparable damage due to lack of funding for staff and maintenance.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families who planned visits for years are canceling trips, causing significant damage to vacation plans.
• 🏛️ In contrast to the Obama administration's approach during a shutdown, the current administration is trying to keep parks open and mitigate negative impacts.
• 📅 National parks are used year-round, with significant visitation in October and November, not just during the summer.

Return to Regular Order

• 📜 Republicans advocate for a return to "regular order" in Congress, which involves passing individual bills through amendment and conference processes.
• ✅ The current leadership team is credited with moving Congress in this direction, with several appropriation bills ready for conference.
• 🚫 However, progress on regular order is impossible while the government is shut down, necessitating its reopening.
• 🗣️ The speaker dismisses claims that the House has been on vacation, stating they are actively working with constituents and in Washington.