Issued January 22, 2018
WASHINGTON - SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement on the Continuing Resolution that will reopen the government through Feb. 8:
“Today’s vote cannot be an excuse for more inaction, political power plays or false promises from congressional leaders. Our elected officials need to stop kicking the can down the road and pass bipartisan legislation that respects the values of working men and women.
“Congress must pass a spending bill that protects good jobs and affordable healthcare, keeps immigrant families together and provides relief to communities torn apart by natural disasters. These are the values of working families and these are the values we expect our elected officials to govern by.
“Real lives are at stake. Each day that Congress fails to provide sufficient disaster relief for victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Puerto Ricans like Ada Quiñones go without power, clean water and the ability to provide quality care at the island’s hospitals. When Republican leaders continue to stall on legislation to protect DREAMers and Temporary Protected Status recipients, the men and women who keep our country running and make vital contributions to our economy live in fear of being ripped away from their loved ones. And while Congress continues to kick the can on healthcare priorities, people who already struggle to get by continue to have trouble getting care.
“Working people around our country expect everyone in Congress to act with urgency in addressing these issues. If this Congress cannot put our country on this track, SEIU members and working families are prepared to elect leaders in November who will get the job done.”