WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia’s elected officials are weighing in after a lapse in federal funding triggered a government shutdown Wednesday.
Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) criticized Democrats for the stalemate, saying, “This shouldn’t be a food fight. Senate Republicans put forward a clean bill to keep the government open: a bill similar to what Democrats have voted for 13 times in the past.”
“Now, West Virginians will face the fallout of a Democrat forced government shutdown all over political demands. This is not negotiating, this is plain and simple political sabotage at the expense of the American people.”
Justice added that in West Virginia, leaders “mind the store, put our people first, and use common sense to make decisions,” urging Democrats to “stop the games and work with us to reopen the government.”
West Virginia Democrats, meanwhile, placed the blame on Republicans, pointing to GOP control of the White House and Congress.
In a statement, party officials said, “Federal government funding lapsed after Donald Trump and West Virginia Republicans refused to get serious about avoiding a shutdown and stopping West Virginians’ health insurance costs from skyrocketing.”
They argued Democrats were ready to negotiate in Washington to prevent increases in health care premiums for “49,000 West Virginians” and to protect coverage for “69,000” more.
State Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said, “Donald Trump and West Virginia Republicans refused to negotiate and ensure that health care expenses don’t double for 49,000 families, who are already struggling under Donald Trump’s economy.”
“While Republicans refuse to even show up to work, Democrats stand united: cancel the cuts, lower costs, and save health care for hard-working West Virginians.”
