Randy Neugebauer Downplays Government Shutdown
As the vote to increase the debt ceiling drew closer, Neugebauer surveyed constituents in his district to gage their views about attempts to defunding the Affordable Care Act at the expense of a government shutdown.
He says 71 percent of respondents supported defunding Obamacare even if it led to a shutdown.
Despite identifying himself as one of the most conservative members of Congress, Neugebauer expressed frustration with the Senate for rejecting the House proposal to pursue a shutdown rather than push to delay the individual health insurance mandate by one year.
"I'm disappointed that the Senate is pushing us towards a shutdown," he said. "But I'll continue working to prevent Obamacare from harming my constituents, closing small businesses, and hurting our economy."
Although Neugebauer insists that Obamacare poses a financial burden to American taxpayers, Lubbock resident Jay Leeson says Neugebauer "has no integrity" when talking about fiscal discipline and public spending.
"Just take a look at the Wall Street Journal article about his involvement with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac," Leeson says, alluding to the Republican-led legislation that cost taxpayers billions. "He's using the shutdown for political gain to divert attention from the farm bill that just expired - that's what affects the people of Lubbock. We don't have that many nonessential government employees. There will be some college students affected and a few government employees, but what Randy really needs to focus on is the farm bill."
While Neugebauer says he would prefer the government to continue operating, he sees Obamacare as a greater evil than a shutdown, and wants Republicans to do everything in their power to stop the legislation.
"Now, it is up to the Republicans and like-minded Democrats in the Senate to continue the charge to defend the American people from this disaster to their health and finances," reads a letter coauthored by 24 Texas representatives. "We urge you to use all of the legislative tools at your disposal, including the filibuster, to protect America from this train wreck."
Neugebauer admits that a shutdown is not ideal, but downplays its tangible impact on cities in his district.
"There will be certain people who will be impacted, but you know what, tomorrow morning, the sun's going to come up, people are going to go to work in Lubbock, Texas," Neugebauer told the press.
Aspects of government that could slow down in the region:
1. Reduction in TSA agents at Lubbock International Airport, which could increase travel times
2. Gun permits and passport applications will also slow
Reactions from Lubbock
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