Joyce Calls On Democrats To Fund The Wall And Open Government
Acknowledges Federal Workers At FCI Loretto In First Floor Speech
Congressman John Joyce (PA-13) today gave his first address on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, where he called for Democrats take up an appropriations package that will fund the border wall and bring an end to the government shutdown.
During his speech, Joyce also referenced the impact the current budget standoff is having on corrections officers working at FCI Loretto, a federal prison just outside the 13th Congressional District. Joyce has previously visited the prison to perform medical treatments and many of those who work there are his constituents. Some of the hardships FCI Loretto employees are facing during the shutdown were chronicled earlier this week by theAltoona Mirror.
Joyce's speech then highlighted that Democrats have supported funding for the border wall in the past and should do so again so the government can be fully opened.
The 13th District lawmaker is refusing a salary for the duration of the shutdown.
A video and transcript of Joyce's remarks can be found below.
Click HERE to view the video of Joyce's speech.
TRANSCRIPT
It is with a great sense of honor that I stand before you to deliver my first address on the floor of the people's House.
As legislators, one of our fundamental duties is to fully fund the government and to do it on time.
But there are federal employees, such as the brave corrections officers working at FCI Loretto, people whom as their doctor I have treated, these people continue to go without pay.
These hardworking men and women do not deserve this shutdown - no American does.
We are in this situation because Democrats refuse to compromise and fund the border wall, even though many of them voted to do so in the past.
Today I offer a question to my colleagues across the aisle what changed?
Are you really willing to reverse a previous position and keep government closed just so you can resist the President's agenda?
It's time to fund the wall and send the President an appropriations that package he will sign.
I urge my Democratic friends to negotiate so we get back to work for the American people.
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