Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement regarding the partial government shutdown.

"Allowing the government to shut down, even for a short time, is not responsible. The Senate has passed a funding package that would reopen the government and provide short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security while negotiations continue. The most direct way for the House to act is to take up this bill under suspension and reopen the government without delay. I am urging Democrats to support this approach. A shutdown helps no one. Any delay, even a short one, creates chaos and uncertainty for our families and workers.

"We need to approach the Homeland Security issues in a thoughtful and measured way. I am willing to negotiate and work through these issues, but that should happen with the government open and functioning without forcing unnecessary disruption on the American people."