Quigley Statement on Republican Paralysis

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement on the state of the Republican House Majority and its adverse impacts on our global influence:

“Since the beginning of this Republican majority, I have warned of the consequences of polarization and extremism winning the day. I have been clear that we cannot govern under this divided Republican majority. As a result, Congress has endured intermittent states of paralysis, leaving us unable to carry out our most basic duties. We have seen extremist Republicans hold their party hostage, bring us to the brink of a default on our nation’s debt and hours from a government shutdown. Now, they have left the House without a Speaker. When five or six members of Congress have disproportionate influence they can control our policy decisions, including whether and how we support our allies abroad.

“If you allow the most extreme of the extreme to run the show, it puts the worst of our Democracy on display.

“This paralysis isn’t just an inconvenience; it leaves our nation vulnerable. It shows the world – allies and enemies – that we can’t govern. We have numerous and pressing domestic challenges – natural disasters, gun violence, immigration reform – that Congress needs to address. We are also experiencing international crises in Israel and the war in Ukraine that demand a response. Make no mistake: we can and we must address challenges and support our allies. But without a speaker, we are unable to initiate the most basic response.

“We must swiftly and firmly take action to show extremists around the world what we stand for. We must come to the aid of those in need around the world.

“And here at home, we must defeat this unique strain of polarization.”