This is a frustrating time in the political gridlock is at an all-time high and for the first time in 17 years, our government is shutdown. I empathize with those that are feeling its devastating effects, particularly hard working people who have been furloughed, including members of my own family and my congressional staff. I will continue to work hard to find a resolution to fully fund and reopen our government.

My goal throughout the past several weeks has been to find a way to fund government operations other than Obamacare and to avoid a government shutdown. In fact, I have voted in favor of numerous bills that fund the government. Unfortunately, President Obama and Senator Harry Reid have expressed no willingness to compromise. Now that we’re in a shutdown, we must understand that we are engaged in a generational fight over debt and spending that goes far beyond Obamacare.

Our current national debt is approaching $17 trillion and growing every minute. The government has dramatically expanded its role and reach during this administration, with Obamacare serving as just one of the many examples of how our government is much too large and much too powerful. In addition, this law is expected to come with at least a $1.3 trillion price tag—a price we simply cannot afford. It’s critical that we work NOW to reduce the size and scope of the federal government.

House Republicans have repeatedly come to the table to negotiate over the past several weeks. I wish the President and Senator Harry Reid would do the same. I will continue to do all in my power to find a solution to reopen the government while fighting to make Washington, D.C. not more, but less important in our lives.

Please send me an email so that I can pass along your comments to my colleagues here in Washington. I will continue to do my best to represent you during this critical time in our nation’s history.

Your Congressman,

Chris Stewart

Utah's 2nd Congressional District