[Page H373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RISING IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL WORKERS

  (Mr. VEASEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. VEASEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Federal workers 
across the country.
  Right now, in Dallas, Texas, the American Federation of Government 
Employees local chapter, or AFGE, is organizing a rally to hold the 
President accountable for this shutdown.
  Today, the President is finally making his first official visit to 
the Texas-Mexico border. He will be visiting McAllen, a town that I 
have visited on numerous occasions and have many friends, and I adore 
and love the town.
  In 2018, McAllen saw their lowest crime rate in 30 years. And let's 
be clear: Democrats care about border security. We care about stopping 
crime. But we won't roll over because the President is getting 
frustrated that the majority of Americans don't want his wall, plain 
and simple.
  The President and Senate Republicans are choosing political self-
interest over our families. The members of the Dallas chapter of AFGE 
are real people who are facing two real burdens as a direct result of 
this shutdown. They are struggling to pay for rent and groceries.
  The gut punch is that the President is far more concerned with his 
base in 2020 than securing the well-being of over 800,000 families.

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