DPCC Co-Chair Debbie Dingell: We Need To Reopen the Government
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), appeared on Outnumbered Overtime With Harris Faulkner on FOX News to discuss the government shutdown's impact on working and to call for the government to be reopened. Below are excerpts from the interview. Clickhere to watch the video
"First of all, I'm working with more than just Fred [Upton]. I think there are many people on both sides of the aisle who understand how much these public servants are suffering out there. They are not Democrats or Republicans, these are people who are trying to do their job. And when you realize there are essential employees from the TSA to FBI to secret service to the Coast Guard, to the Customs and Border Patrol that have been working 33 days without being paid, the stress that is taking on them is just inexcusable. Our governor from Michigan and several other governors have been trying to put their finger in holes and trying to help people, and it turns out that you can't apply (for unemployment insurance) if you're someone living paycheck to paycheck. There are more people doing that than people realize."
"I think what people want is what Speaker Pelosi has said – and actually I've heard Republicans and Democrats say – let's reopen the government…I think if we get in a room and have a discussion about border security, that you would be surprised at the amount of money people are willing to put into border security. And it would contain many things. We need the experts in the room. And we need more Customs and Border Patrol. If there places that some kind of barrier should be part of it that that's part of it. Drones, technology, all kinds."
"Get the experts. Get Lucille Roybal-Allard, other Chairs and Members of this Committee –with Republicans in the room – House and Senate...I want people to talk to each other. People are suffering. I know people want to have the conversation. But there are people that say we shouldn't be holding these public servants hostage, and I happen to agree with that. But we've got to have this dialogue. Compromise isn't a dirty word. You know I think that. But I want to keep this country as safe as anybody else wants to keep this country safe."