Open Letter to Washington about the Budget

It has been over 800 days since our Government has had a budget.

This is not a GOP or Democrat issue, it is a symptom of dysfunction resulting from a misguided intransigent positioning along party lines. I am concerned with belligerent, opposition Senator Reid has taken in regard to the budgets which have been passed by the House of Representatives.

As elected officials our Representatives and Senators have the responsibility to put COUNTRY FIRST, above party interest and above the next election.

If a serious, even flawed, budget is presented, please work to bring it to the floor for debate and passage. It may not be a Democratic budget, but we have not seen a budget from the Democrats.

As the Government looks to determine who to pay and who not to pay, let me suggest that unless and until a budget is passed and signed into law, no one in the Legislature or Executive Branch be compensated or have expenses paid or reimbursed. None have earned remuneration until they do.

We will all watch to see what action and resolution is made of this crisis, it will significantly influence who returns after the next election.

Please cross over party lines and work towards a compromise, be a statesman you were elected to be.