Rep. Mark Alford said Thursday the ongoing budget impasse rests squarely on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing the New York Democrat of playing politics out of fear of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., instead of focusing on keeping the government funded.
“We can call it a blame game,” the Missouri Republican told Newsmax’s “National Report.” “But the blame lies 100% with Chuck Schumer in his effort to ward off a primary opponent by the name of AOC for the U.S. Senate seat out of New York.”
Alford, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said the House acted responsibly by passing a “clean continuing resolution” to keep spending at current levels for seven weeks.
“All we were asking for, and still are asking for, is a continuation of the current spending levels until Nov. 21 so we can finish our job in Congress, fund the government, and work toward making America great again,” he said.
Schumer, in response, has accused Republicans of using false claims about funding for undocumented immigrants. Alford rejected that argument, insisting Democrats are relitigating past legislation.
“They know damn well that the law is that no Medicare or Medicaid or ACA funds can go to undocumented immigrants,” he said. “They come up with these lies to divert attention.”
The Missouri congressman warned that the Democrat position threatens rural hospitals and critical services.
“This is a farce by Chuck Schumer and [House Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries to try to take away $50 billion in a rural health transformation fund that we set up to keep our rural hospitals viable and operating,” Alford said.
Looking ahead, Alford said the stalemate could result in permanent cuts to the federal workforce.
“If you’re deemed non-essential in this shutdown, why are you working in the federal government? Why is the taxpayer paying your salary?” he said.
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