Tonko paints dire picture of Trump budget
Congressman warns federal shutdown possible
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. >> U. S. Rep. Paul Tonko drew a dire picture Thursday of what lies ahead if the showdown over President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget results in a government shutdown next week.
“If we don’t pass a budget by the end of the day on Friday next, the federal government will shut down,” Tonko, D-Amsterdam, said to open a town hall meeting at Skidmore College.
The last time the federal government was shutdown, in 2013, when the issue was defunding Obamacare, the cost to taxpayers was $1.5 billion a day, Tonko said, with as many as 120,000 jobs were not created or delayed as a result.
“I remain hopeful Republican leaders in Congress controlling and governing the House will find a way to avoid this happening again,” Tonko said. But, he cautioned, the “Trump budget is not the answer and indeed could make matters worse.”
Questions about Trump and fears about what he will do dominated the nearly two-hour town hall, which attracted an audience of about 150 and was streamed live on Faxcebook, where some viewers submitted questions for Tonko. Few in the audience were Skidmore students, and many carried signs supporting Planned Parenthood.
One audience member questioned Trump’s mental fitness to serve as president and the ties between some of his aides and Russia. Tonko didn’t directly respond, saying only that Trump hasn’t made his goals clear regarding legislation, which makes it hard to negotiate with the White House and the GOP majority.
“That hasn’t happened in the first 100 days, and I think the challenge is out there to produce the solutions,” Tonko said.
He was more plain-spoken when talking about Trump’s moves on immigration policies tied to religious faith, calling it simply “un-American.”
Tonko also called for the appointment of a special prosecutor and an independent panel to investigate Russia’s efforts to sway last fall’s election, drawing loud applause.
“We’ve got to fight back with what we have learned from our intelligence community and the association of many involved with the president who have had some involvement with the Russians,” Tonko said. “This is too important. This not about a partisan approach. This is about what is patriotic.”
Another s peaker slammed Trump’s approach to the military, including nominating Mark Green as Secretary of the Army, in light of disparag-
“We can’t just go down the road of denial or backward motion. We have to go forward.” — Representative Paul Tonko
ing comments Green made about transgendered people.
“For those who love their nation, they shouldn’t be disregarded because of who they love,” Tonko said.
Thursday’s town hall washis first since February, when he spoke before an equally friendly but much larger crowd in Schenectady. The recent events were in sharp contrast to those he held in 2008 and 2009, where he was shouted down and heckled by tea party activists and Obamacare opponents.
Tonko didn’t field a single hostile question Thursday, with most of those who spoke asking him to help on one issue or another or expressing dismay with Trump. Topics included Lyme disease, petroleum pipelines, charter schools, the Electoral College vs. the popular vote, and the opioid crisis. A question on the latter topic prompted Tonko to point out four people died from overdoses in December in his hometown.
“We’re at an epidemic, not only with heroin, but with fentanyl, which can wipe you out the first time,” Tonko said.
Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee Chairman Charles Brown told Tonko he was “devastated” by Trump’s win.
“I have often thought, ‘Can I just stop and give up and turn away,’” he said, before adding he was inspired by Tonko’s strength and tenacity.
“We can’t just go down the road of denial or backward motion,” Tonko replied.
“We have to go forward.” Before the town hall, Tonko held a news conference at which he discussed the budget and healthcare. He also praised Skidmore College for its development of a solar farm and use of geothermal energy.