Dr. Boozman's Check-up
Here to help during the shutdown
Oct 02 2013
I’m disappointed that the partisanship in Congress has resulted in a government shutdown. What is most frustrating is that this directly impacts the services Americans rely on. A government shutdown has real implications for seniors, veterans and hardworking Arkansas families who rely on the services provided by federal agencies. We need to work together to find common ground to keep the government operating so we can eliminate the threat of interruptions in government services.
In the past week, I voted to continue funding the government while making policy changes to the President’s healthcare law. Each of these votes was in support of House-passed legislation. Unfortunately, these bills did not have the support of the majority of the Senate and triggered a government shutdown for the first time in 17-years.
While I don’t believe a continuing resolution is the responsible way to fund the government because it is a short-term funding solution, we need to find common ground to provide the services of government. We will continue to encourage long-term planning and that begins with basics of passing a budget. This is the most basic level of governing. We need this framework to rein in spending and eliminate the waste and abuse of government programs. We need to pass appropriations bills. This proper process is necessary so we avoid interruptions in government like we’re experiencing today.
The shutdown is already impacting many Arkansas families. My staff is here ready to help and hear about how this shutdown impacts you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can better serve you. You can always contact our office by email or reach us by phone.
To stay up-to-date with what is happening I encourage you to monitor upcoming votes in the House and the Senate.
Our efforts to avoid a government shutdown
Floor speech – Boozman calls on Senate to consider House-passed bill that defunds Obamacare
Press Release – Senate should take up bill to delay Obamacare and keep government operating
Press Release - Boozman Statement on Votes to Defund Obamacare and Avoid a Government Shutdown
Fact vs. Fiction - The Government Shutdown and Obamacare
Learn more about the impact of a government shutdown
Congressional Research Service (CRS)- Shutdown of the Federal Government:Causes, Processes, and Effects
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)- Guidance for federal agencies and employees in the event of a shutdown furlough