"The Republican majority in Congress and President Trump have failed New Jersey residents by ignoring calls to protect healthcare for Americans and choosing instead to shut down the federal government.

"Democrats in Congress have been clear that their priority is to protect healthcare subsidies for millions of Americans.

"Beyond that, if the shutdown continues, our families could soon face an even greater challenge putting food on their table through the denial of federal benefits as important as SNAP and WIC, as well as potentially affecting tens of thousands of military and civilian federal employees in New Jersey who are furloughed or asked to work without pay.

"To make matters worse, the Administration has compounded the damage we are facing by suspending billions in financing for the Gateway Project, putting at risk the most important infrastructure project in the nation, and threatening the Northeast Corridor.

"Our government has a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of its people and to ensure the services people need and rely on, and right now Republicans are falling short of that most basic obligation. I urge GOP Congressional leaders and the President to get back to the table and work in the best interest of the people of New Jersey and the United States."