Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding a federal government shutdown:

“I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to finalize the compromise for the remaining budget year so workers can stay on the job and necessary services remain up and running for all Americans. 

“I am concerned about the impact of the Tea Party-led shutdown on Florida families and our economy. A government shutdown is bad news for our neighbors who rely on veterans’ services, the Social Security Administration, visas, passports, FHA mortgages and more. Those pushing the extremist and rigid Tea Party ideology also need to understand that thousands of federal employees in the Tampa Bay area and across America will be furloughed and unpaid, causing a ripple effect in our economy as they spend less at our local restaurants, stores and other businesses.

“Unfortunately for millions of Floridians, now that deep and serious cuts have been offered by Democratic leaders, the debate is devolving into one over  ideological issues that have no place in a budget. Democratic leaders have compromised by more than half, and yesterday moved to avert a shutdown so that serious negotiations can continue and to ensure our troops will be paid.  Unfortunately, House Republicans rejected those motions.

“Our military service members should not be subject to any interruption in pay during the shutdown and I have voted for numerous measures to enact that policy.  I also am co-sponsoring the Ensuring Pay for our Military Act so that members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, reserve components, National Guard and Coast Guard continue to receive pay for active duty service during a government shutdown.

"I do not support members of Congress getting paid during the shutdown and  have voted to block pay to members of Congress during a shutdown. Unfortunately, these measures did not pass in the Republican-led House of Representatives. I intend to donate my salary during a government shutdown to charity."