Illinois lawmakers weigh in as government shutdown looms – WIFR

(WIFR) – As the possibility of a shutdown inches closer, two Illinois congressmen say lawmakers have an obligation to keep the government open.

Read more: White House threatens mass firings for potential government shutdown

With the possibility of job losses and deferred payments, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-17th District) worries a shutdown would take away crucial positions.

“We need TSA to be able to get paid. I want to make sure that the air traffic controllers get paid to keep the skies over Rockford. I want to make sure law enforcement gets paid. That the FBI that is doing the work to solve crimes in the city of Rockford gets paid,” said Rep. Sorensen.

On the other side of the aisle, Congressman Darin LaHood (R-16th District) agrees a stoppage of government is not an option.

“The deficiencies and the damage that would be done by a government shutdown, we can’t allow that to happen. We are elected officials. We have to work together to find a resolution,” said Congressman Darin LaHood (R-16th District).

While the lawmakers acknowledge both sides need to work together, Democrats and Republicans have been stuck at an impasse.

“The House of Representatives has done their job to pass a continuing resolution. Chuck Schumer in the Senate needs to do that also. It is a clean continuing resolution, he has the ability to pass this, put politics aside, put the country ahead of everything else, that’s what we should do. This will be the Schumer shutdown if it happens,” Rep. LaHood said.

Read more: Senate rejects competing bills to fund government, increasing risk of shutdown on Oct. 1

“I feel like we’re at that point where if we don’t do what’s right, right now, this is the beginning of something really bad,” Rep. Sorensen said. “If Congress is shut down, there is no federal oversight for anything and that’s really dangerous for the people back home.”

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have until midnight Oct. 1 to pass a government funding bill.