Dr. Bob Lorinser issues statement on stop-gap vote
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fri. Jan. 19, 2024
GWINN, Mich. — "Yesterday, Rep. Jack Bergman was the only representative in Michigan who irresponsibly voted to shut down the government.
"Bergman claims he won't vote for 'any federal spending' until Congress addresses the border crisis. However, it's evident that he and other GOP extremists aren’t interested in resolving the border crisis; they only want to use it as a campaign wedge issue. The grandstanding is an intellectually dishonest, feckless political stunt.
"If Rep. Bergman's obstruction had succeeded, a shutdown would have disrupted crucial services that Northern Michiganders and Yoopers depend on, and it would have had harmful effects on the economy.
"Jack Bergman is not working in the best interest of the American people, and he's ignoring the needs of Michigan's 1st District. Posing for photo ops on the border at the epicenter of a national tragedy is not a solution. These extreme House Republicans are using the border crisis as a political weapon. Like Donald Trump, Jack Bergman appears to want the government to fail just because Democrats are in control. It's shameful.
"The border is a humanitarian and national security crisis. Immediate action is needed. President Biden and the Senate are diligently working towards a bipartisan deal. Hopefully, it reflects both compassion and security. Holding the government hostage is irresponsible.
“Bergman voting no on a stop-gap bill, attempting to shut down the government, and refusing to negotiate on immigration reform jeopardizes our national security and our democracy. This issue isn't about politics; it's about people's lives.
"If elected, I will not allow party politics to stand in the way of solving our nation's problems. Northern Michigan and the UP deserve better. They deserve a Congressman willing to cooperate, collaborate, and compromise.
"These partisan political stunts are dangerous, and Rep. Bergman is proving to be a colossal waste of taxpayer money."
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Dr. Bob Lorinser (D, MI01) is a former diplomat and family doctor from Marquette running for Congress in Michigan's First District.