Congresswoman Kelly: “The Trump Shutdown is literally damaging the brains of my constituents and it needs to end”

Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined House Democrats and a handful of House Republicans in advancing legislation to reopen the EPA and our national parks and monuments, including the Pullman National Monument.

"For the last three weeks, the EPA has been prevented, by President Trump and his shutdown, from performing its essential life-saving role that protects the air we breathe and the water we drink," noted Congresswoman Kelly.

Despite the real threat to Illinois families, President Trump doesn't seem to care and has threatened to leave this important agency shutdown for "years."

Just last month, the EPA reported that air monitors had recorded dangerous levels of brain-damaging manganese on the Southeast Side. With the EPA shuttered because of the Trump Shutdown, corrective action and additional monitoring cannot be undertaken.

"Quite literally, this Trump Shutdown is damaging the brains of my constituents and it needs to end, now," added Congresswoman Kelly.

In addition to the EPA, the Department of the Interior and National Park Service are also shuttered due to the Trump Shutdown. As a national monument, the Pullman National Monument, an important tourist attraction and local learning center, is therefore closed to the public.

"The Pullman National Monument is an important part of our community and legacy. Having this institution shuttered, because of a Presidential temper tantrum, is simply unnecessary and backwards."

In total, more than 7,400 Illinoisans who work for the federal government are currently furloughed or working without pay.

"Today, more than 7,400 Illinois families did not get their paycheck because of President Trump's vain shutdown. I was raised that a fair day's work deserves a fair day's pay," said Congresswoman Kelly. "Many of these families will miss mortgage payments or fail to pay their utility bills. Others have already been forced to choose between food and lifesaving medicine. This is simply wrong. These hardworking people who dedicated their careers to public service deserve better."

Since Democrats assumed control of Congress, Congresswoman Kelly has repeatedly voted to reopen the government and reopen specific departments and agencies. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has prevented any of these bills from advancing in the Senate.