[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)] [House] [Page H4309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN--POLITICAL GAMESMANSHIP (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, we find ourselves in a critical juncture in our Nation's history. You have heard my colleagues say that we have 16 days left. That is only 9 legislative days away from a government shutdown. The extreme MAGA Republicans in the Republican Conference are driving the entire Republican majority to time and time again pursue their divisive agenda at the cost of American lives. This would inflict untold harm upon millions of hardworking families and jeopardize our national security. This is not governance; this is political gamesmanship. Let me be clear. They have chosen to embark on a perilous path that threatens the very fabric of our government and the well-being of our citizens in an attempt to slash vital investments in healthcare, childcare, education, and food assistance. This senseless self-manufactured crisis would disrupt critical government services. I implore my colleagues across the aisle to stop playing political games and join us in the commitment to the American people. ____________________