Castro and House Members Call for McCarthy to Get Bipartisan Agreement Done

As some politicians try to prevent a nationwide government shutdown, Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) joined around 100 House members in a letter calling for Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R) to get a bipartisan agreement done to avoid a shutdown.

The lawmakers warned against McCarthy focusing on Republican interests over more inclusive bipartisan interests that may better serve the country. House factions like the “Freedom Caucus” have been criticized for their controversial approach that is considered by some to be radical and aggressive.

“We urge you to reject the hyperpartisan approach and focus on passing government funding legislation that can actually become law. In the absence of viable appropriations bills from the House Appropriations Committee, we urge you to, at the very least, bring bills similar to the bipartisan bills that have already passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote on the House Floor,” lawmakers wrote.

The authors of the letter emphasized the fact that they were willing to work with McCarthy and other Republicans to get a deal done to help prevent a government shutdown.

“As Members of Congress, our most basic duty is to keep the government running. Once again, as we face the looming deadline of September 30, we stand ready to work on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to uphold our responsibilities as lawmakers and ensure our government works on behalf of our constituents.”

In other news, after the recent debacle in which a group of Republicans refused to vote on a bipartisan spending bill, Congressman Greg Casar (D) warned against allowing a government shutdown to happen.

In a series of tweets, Rep. Casar discussed specific consequences that could occur as a result of a government shutdown.

“Nine days until a Republican shutdown could lead to 10,000 children across the country losing their preschool. @HHSGov can’t award Head Start Grants during a shutdown. And that’s just one of the terrible effects of this Republican stunt.”

“We're just 9 days 'til the impending Republican shutdown — but because Republicans want to play petty politics, we're heading back to the district. Progressives are ready to stick to the bipartisan deal & continue delivering for the constituents who sent us to D.C.”