The Republican Chaos Caucus is living up to its name this week and making the possibility of the federal government shutting down all too real. My staff and I are working around the clock to avoid that outcome, which would shut off the services that Northwest Washington veterans, seniors, and working families need to live their lives — among other devastating impacts across the country. Here is my statement on a potential federal government shutdown:

"Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate."

Democrats have continually negotiated bipartisan, good-faith agreements during this Congress. Take a look at the aviation safety bill, the defense bill, defending our values by supporting Ukraine, and many other issues where Democrats have been part of these agreements.

The Democrats were part of the bipartisan, bicameral agreement to pass a bill to keep the federal government funded and provide disaster relief to families that are victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Republicans, under direction from cosplaying President Elon Musk and a confused Donald Trump, have pulled out of the bipartisan agreement.

The GOP helped write this agreement and the GOP Speaker was the only person with the authority to schedule a vote on it. The GOP folded like an old television tray once Musk ordered a government shutdown.

Democrats stand ready to negotiate in good faith but don't know who, if anyone, is in charge with whom to negotiate. In the meantime, middle-class Americans are being held hostage by the billionaires who are pulling Trump's puppet strings.

It is time for Republicans to stop the theatrics and get back to work.

More soon,

Rick