Local Representatives React To Government Shutdown

With the federal government shutdown after Congress failed to agree to a budget Monday, members of Indiana’s congressional delegation are pointing fingers at their opposition. 

The U.S. House of Representatives continues to pass measures that would fund the government while delaying, for one year, the individual mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act.  The Senate refuses to support such a move.

Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly says Congress’ inability to work together is unacceptable, noting that a government shutdown hurts the economy and makes real people suffer. 

His Republican colleague Dan Coats criticized Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and President Obama for failing to support the Obamacare delay, accusing them of driving the country into a shutdown. And Coats is not alone is laying blame at the feet of Reid and Mr. Obama. 

House Republicans Marlin Stutzman, Susan Brooks, Luke Messer and Larry Bucshon all responded to the shutdown by criticizing Senate Democrats and the president for a failure of leadership and compromise.  Both Messer and Bucshon noted Obama was willing to negotiate with Iran’s president but not House Republicans. 

Democratic Congressman Pete Visclosky called for reasonable compromise, saying he regrets some of his colleagues forgot to govern. 

Only Republican Todd Young, 9th District, stood apart, saying now is not the time to point fingers.  Young says he’s had encouraging conversations with Democratic lawmakers and calls on others to find middle ground.