News · Press Release

Congressman Southerland: We Shouldn’t Shutdown The Government Because…It’s an Election Year

After Congressman Steve Southerland shut down the government last year and even refused to join in a bipartisan vote to re-open it – costing taxpayers $24 billion dollars, hurting seniors, veterans and working families while delivering a self-inflicted wound to North Florida’s economy – now Congressman Southerland is against the shutdown because, well…it’s an election year:

“Only a Washington politician like Congressman Southerland would shut down the government one year and then say the opposite two months before the election – all in a flailing attempt to keep his taxpayer-funded $174,000 salary,” said David Bergstein of the DCCC. “After his lingerie party gaffe this week, now Steve Southerland is finally being honest about what motivates him: saving his own political skin, not delivering on the commonsense solutions that North Florida needs.”

BACKGROUND:

Southerland Voted Against a Bipartisan Compromise Plan to Re-open Government, Avert Debt Default. In October 2013, just days before the U.S. government could have defaulted on its obligations, Southerland voted against a bipartisan compromise that would re-open the federal government and avert a catastrophic debt default. The bill passed 285-144.   [New York Times, 10/16/13; HR 2775, Vote #550, 10/16/13]

Tallahassee Democrat: Southerland “Should Be Ashamed” Of Vote to Continue Shutdown. “But our representative in the House, Steve Southerland, R-Panama City, as well as our Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, voted against the legislation – and for continuing the standoff. They should be ashamed… Rep. Southerland put our nation’s economy and good standing in the international community at risk in order to fight those battles now. He did lead a House GOP conference meeting on Tuesday morning in singing “Amazing Grace.” That’s not the leadership we were looking for.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 10/17/13]

After Shutting Down Government, Congressman Southerland Defends Keeping Taxpayer Subsidized Gym Open. “The government shutdown has stopped critical services for countless Americans. But fortunately for members of the House of Representatives – the men and women who helped cause the shutdown – access continues to their taxpayer-subsidized Capitol Hill gym… Speaking to CNN Wednesday morning, Republican Rep. Steve Southerland of Florida said that ‘for people to raise issues over the gym is somewhat petty,’ although Southerland said he does not have a gym membership.” [CNN, 10/09/13]





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