Hirono Comments on Potential Government Shutdown

As the federal government is faced with a potential government shutdown come Oct. 1, Senator Mazie Hirono released a statement Thursday following her vote against a Republican bill that would extend present government funding through Dec. 11 while attempting to cut off a portion of funds for Planned Parenthood.

In her statement, Senator Hirono notes that keeping the federal government open for businesses is one of Congress’ main responsibilities. She also said that making certain that those who are “less fortunate” have access to basic necessities falls under the responsibility of Congress, in reference to Planned Parenthood.

“For the second time in the past three years, we are on the precipice of an unnecessary and preventable government shutdown—this time over an ideological crusade that has nothing to do with the government,” Hirono said. “The 2013 shutdown caused billions of dollars in economic loss.

“The stories of Hawai’i small business owners who lost customers, federal employees who were furloughed, and visitors who travelled from around the globe only to be denied entrance to Hawai’i’s National Parks and other federal attractions are still fresh in my mind.”

Democratic House members were expected to block the proposed bill, which would push a spending bill that would extend all funding.

“We cannot continue to govern from one manufactured crisis to the next. The majority of Americans agree that it’s time to work together to keep our country running,” Hirono said. “Let’s cut the partisan politics and pass clean legislation to fund the federal government.”