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Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11), along with Congressman Patrick Murphy (FL-18), introduced the Shutdown Prioritization Act (SPA) which would force Speaker Boehner to remove the Members only gym and spa from his list of essential House services.
“Members of Congress should not enjoy access to their exclusive gym and spa while Capitol police go without pay, children are being turned away from Head Start and veterans are left wondering if their benefits will come in the mail on November 1st,” said Foster.
The federal government may be closed, but the gyms for members of Congress are still open. That doesn't sit well with U.S. Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL, 11) and Patrick Murphy (D-FL, 18).
The government shutdown hasn't closed the private House and Senate gyms, which have been kept open along with their showers by the Architect of the Capitol, the agency responsible for the maintenance of the Capitol Complex.
Two House Democrats want the congressional gym closed until the shutdown impasse is over.
Reps. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) and Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.) are circulating a letter that asks House Speaker John Boehner to deem the House spa non-essential for the duration of the shutdown.
WASHINGTON — A group of about 90 elderly veterans flew here from Chicago's Midway Airport on Wednesday and visited the National World War II Memorial — shutdown be darned.
On Tuesday, the memorial on the National Mall became the symbol of the shutdown as vets who arrived on what are called "Honor Flights" ignored the barricades set up to try to shutter the outdoor tribute to the 16 million who served in World War II.
The big budget standoff continues in Washington, but there is some news out of the Beltway: The number of local congressmen who aren't accepting pay until the fight is over is now at four.
As of the moment, two Democrats and two Republicans from the Chicago area have put out statements or otherwise confirmed that they'll do without while much of the federal government remains shut in a fight over Obamacare and related matters.
Two Illinois House members have plans for the salary they will earn during the government shutdown — and it's not to keep the funds.
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL,13) says he will donate his salary to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) announced he will be donating his pay earned during the government shutdown to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
“Because of a small group of intransigent Tea Party extremists, Congress has failed to pass a budget and shutdown the government – a reckless action which could have a devastating impact on our still struggling economy,” said Foster. “Until Congress ends this irresponsible shutdown, I will donate my pay to charity.”
Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) released the following statement on the federal government shutdown:
“The hardworking people of the 11th Congressional District are tired of this kind of brinksmanship, and so am I. It’s time to end the political grandstanding and get to work to reach an agreement.
If Congress fails to reach a budget agreement by Monday, the federal government will shut down.
Government works best when both sides come together to produce legislation that is supported by the middle – but unfortunately the process has been hijacked by a small group of extremists in the Republican Party. With just one day left to avoid a government shutdown, it’s time to end the political posturing and get to work.