Congressman Krishnamoorthi Leads Press Conference At O’Hare Calling To End Government Shutdown With Other Representatives, Constituents, and Federal Workers

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) led a press conference this morning at O'Hare International Airport highlighting the human cost of the government shutdown, which is now in its 24^th day, and calling for the government to be reopened. Congressman Krishnamoorthi was joined by fellow Illinois Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Sean Casten (IL-06), and Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04). Each of the Members spoke on the issues facing their constituents, as well as the country as a whole, and the many elements of the shutdown which will only grow worse over time.

The Representatives were also joined by Toby Hauck, an air traffic controller and member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, who is also a veteran of the US Air Force. Mr. Hauck discussed the challenges faced by himself and the thousands of other air traffic controllers and aviation professionals across the country who have either been furloughed or aren't being paid for their work, including 3,000 FAA safety professionals. During his remarks, Mr. Hauck also touched upon his experience as one of nearly a quarter of a million American veterans in the federal workforce who aren't currently being paid. Diane Rock, a constituent of Congressman Krishnamoorthi, also spoke at the event, and explained how the government shutdown has frozen the public housing and food benefits she depends on to survive. If the shutdown continues and the government fails to pay seniors like Ms. Rock the benefits they've earned, they could lose their homes.

"I'm grateful to all of my colleagues, to Mr. Hauck, and to Ms. Rock for participating today and speaking out on the human costs of the government shutdown and the need to bring it to an end," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "Today, 800,000 federal workers, including many in public safety roles such as air traffic controllers, are furloughed or are working without pay, including 248,000 veterans. At the same time, millions of American are going without the vital government services they depend on. No one ever wins a government shutdown, but millions of Americans are already losing vital services they depend on for economic security, public safety, and overall health and prosperity. For these reasons, and taking into account all the heartbreaking stories we heard this morning, we need to end the shutdown, and we need to end it now."