Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Keep the Federal Government Open

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted to keep the government funded and running. The continuing resolution passed Thursday night by a vote of 230 Yeas to 197 Nays in the U.S. House of Representatives. The congressman's support comes in response to the inclusion of a 6-year reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which would guarantee health insurance for thousands of children in South Texas.

Below is a statement from Congressman Gonzalez:

"Having a fully functioning federal government is something we in this body - and in this country - can all agree on. This is critical for our national security. I did not come to Congress to shut the government down. On the contrary, I came to Congress to keep the government open and our nation safe.

"During my short time here, I have pledged my unwavering support for DREAMers, co-sponsoring several pieces of legislation that would give them a pathway to a permanent status. I vow to continue championing DREAMers in Congress, but I could not leave thousands of young South Texans without health insurance or shutter vital services provided by U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs, VA clinics, USDA inspectors, letter carriers, and all other federal employees.

"Voting ‘no' on this bill would not make a deal on DACA more likely. We have until March to negotiate a bipartisan compromise and make an earnest effort to get this done right. A ‘yes' vote is a responsible vote for our children, our veterans, our seniors, and our federal employees.

"While I do not agree with the President on many issues, I believe it is our responsibility as members of Congress to keep the government funded and running for all Americans, DREAMers included.

"That is what the people of the 15th District of Texas elected me to do, and that's the job I intend to continue doing while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives."