Press Releases

WASHINGTON - House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain delivered remarks at the GOP Leadership Press Conference: As prepared for delivery: 

Let’s get one thing straight: House Republicans did our job. Senate Democratsdidn’t.

More than a month ago, under the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson, the House passed responsible legislation to keep the government open. 

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have voted over and over again to keep it shut down.

So before anyone throws around cheap insults, like one Democrat member did onsocial media this week, let’s remember the facts: Republicans acted, the Democrats stalled.

Mike Johnson has shown leadership, discipline, and focus. What’s “lazy” is Democrats refusing to do their job and then blaming everyone else for the mess they created.

Because what Democrats are doing is wrong, and Americans, real. Hardworking Americans are getting hurt. I, for one, have had it. And I don’t think I’m the only one. 

On Sunday, a Democrat House member admitted to the Wall Street Journal that his party is being pushed by far-left groups. He said Democrats were “lying” to the American people about the reason behind this shutdown. 

It isn’t for healthcare. It is to bow down to their base – plain and simple.

The question now is: At what point will the pain of Americans outweigh the radical cries of their base? It wasn’t when our troops almost didn’t get paid. It wasn’t when moms and infants were at risk of losing the food off their table. It wasn’t when flights across the nation got canceled because Air Traffic Controllers and TSA agents weren’t getting paid.

No, when all that happened, Democrats said, “Every day was getting better" for them. They said this pain was their best leverage. They said – maybe it was uncomfortable, but it was worth it … to them.

So now, I ask… Will it be enough pain this weekend when 42 million Americans lose access to the food on their table? Will it be enough when 2 million Americans miss a paycheck? 

What Democrats are doing is cruel. But it’s also dangerous. I think Chairman Mast spoke very well on this issue, but let me build on that.

When our skies aren’t staffed. When our borders aren’t secure. When our troops are at risk of missing a paycheck.

That’s not a political strategy; that’s a national security threat. Enough is enough. Americans don’t want to be used as leverage for another trillion dollars in wasteful spending. They want relief. They want leadership. They want results. Democrats: Do what’s right. End your shutdown. Stop, as you say, “leveraging” the pain. Vote for the clean funding bill. And let Americans move forward.

Watch Chairwoman McClain's remarks here.