WASHINGTON – On Monday, the White House reported that President Obama met with FEMA officials at the National Response Coordinating Center, where he thanked them for their service during the federal government shutdown in light of the arrival of Tropical Storm Karen and other potential natural disasters.
The President repeated his call for Congress to pass a continuing resolution to reopen the government and to raise the debt limit. The President noted that about 86% of FEMA employees are currently furloughed.
“Right now, Congress should do what’s in the best interest of the economy and the American people, and that’s move beyond this manufactured crisis and work together to focus on growth, jobs, and providing the vital services that Americans all across the country depend on, including the services that FEMA provides,” Mr. Obama said.
“I think the American people simply want government to work,” Mr. Obama said. “And there’s no reason that there has to be a shutdown in order for the kinds of negotiations Speaker Boehner says he wants to proceed. Hold a vote. Call a vote right now.”