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[Page H371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
END THE SHUTDOWN
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. O'Halleran) for 5 minutes.
Mr. O'HALLERAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a crisis that
is gripping our Nation. This crisis is impacting the livelihoods of
hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women, such as Border
Patrol agents, TSA agents, national park rangers, janitors, machinists,
and many more.
The crisis I am referring to, Mr. Speaker, is the reckless government
shutdown that now has gone into its third week.
We are the greatest country in the world. This should never, ever
happen in this country. It has left Americans without paychecks,
forcing many of them to seek donations from family, friends, and
strangers just to make ends meet.
In Arizona, my constituents have reached out to share their stories.
One Federal prison employee told my office that she planned to take out
a loan on their retirement in order to pay for groceries, bills, and
health insurance. Another, a scientist based in Arizona and working for
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, wrote to me just yesterday to tell
me that she would have to take up dog walking, Uber driving, and other
part-time jobs just to cover the cost of her rent.
Neither of these Arizonans know what they will do if their paychecks
continue to be held hostage for political games.
Mr. Speaker, the American people don't deserve this. It goes beyond
the furloughed government workers. Small business owners and Arizona
farmers and ranchers, already hit hard by uncertainty in their global
trade partnerships, are being hurt by this.
There is agreement in this body and in the Senate on bipartisan
spending measures that open up our government and provide increased
funding for SMART, 21st century border security technology that has
been proven effective.
The administration has conjured up this crisis and devastated the
lives of countless Americans in the process, and it must end.
Mr. Speaker, these political games are hurting Arizona and our
country.
{time} 1115
Honoring Sheriff Kelly ``KC'' Clark
Mr. O'HALLERAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and honor Sheriff
Kelly ``KC'' Clark as he retires from three decades of service to
Navajo County and the State of Arizona. From his first post as a patrol
deputy in Winslow in 1989 to sheriff of Navajo County, KC has always
dedicated his career to ensuring victims receive justice.
Throughout his life, KC has served Arizona as the president of the
Arizona Narcotic Officers Association and three terms as president of
the Arizona County Attorney/Sheriff's Association. Additionally, KC is
a graduate of the FBI Academy 220th Session and the Drug Unit
Commanders Academy. He was named Sheriff of the Year by the WETIP
Foundation. On top of all of this, Sheriff Clark served on the Northern
Regional Advisory Committee for Homeland Security and is a commissioner
on the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission.
Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to call KC a friend. His service to our
great State is an inspiration to all public servants. I wish him and
his wife, Brenda, the very best as he retires from the police force,
and I know his commitment to serve in his community will not end.
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