WNDU: Michigan lawmakers point fingers as government shutdown reaches 35th day

The government shutdown reached day 35 Tuesday, tying the record for America’s longest shutdown ever.

Two local lawmakers offered contrasting views as both parties continued to assign blame for the ongoing impasse.

At a news conference on Capitol Hill, Michigan Republican Rep. Tim Walberg, who represents the 5th District covering part of Michiana, criticized Democrats for the shutdown’s continuation.

“The shutdown is also showing Americans just how far the Democrats will go to promote their out of touch agenda, even if it means holding the American people hostage for more than a month,” Walberg said. “Republicans have listened and voted to fully fund the government coming on 15 times as of today. It’s time for five more Democrats, including my two members from Michigan, to vote the same way.”

Rep. Rashida Tlaib responded Tuesday afternoon to reports about possible outlines of a bipartisan deal taking shape.

“Any deal to reopen the government needs to include legislative text to extend the ACA tax credits,” Tlaib said in a tweet. “A pinky promise is not good enough. Don’t sell out the American people.”