U.S. Representatives Ryan Costello and Elise Stefanik are leading the charge of the eleven freshman members of Congress who last week voiced their opposition to the possible government shutdown in a letter sent to senior members of Congress.

In order to keep the government funded for the remainder of the current fiscal year both Congress and the President have to agree on a budget. The problem being faced by supporters of the budget is the attempt by some Republicans to de-fund Planned Parenthood, a move Democrats have said they would not agree to.

“As freshman Members of the House Republican Conference, we were elected by our constituents to be principled, pragmatic leaders,” the newest members of Congress wrote in the letter to their colleagues. “They expect us to fulfill our responsibilities, avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, and live up to our commitment to work every day to help keep the American economy moving forward.”

The letter lists their reasons for opposition to a politically motivated government shutdown and also describes the consequences the move would have and the resulting cost to the economy, such as hindering job creation and creating a backlog in vital government services.

Representative Costello was able to see firsthand the disappointing results of a government shutdown during his tenure as a Chester County Commissioner when a similar shutdown occurred two years ago.

“In 2013, as a Chester County Commissioner, I was frustrated that the federal government unnecessarily shut down for 16 days,” Costello recalled recently. “I remember that frustration all too well, especially as I hear some of my colleagues talk about a government shutdown as a realistic and possible option.”

Costello and other freshman members of the Congress who have signed their names to the letter have stated their commitment to stopping any potential budget proposals which could lead to a possible shutdown.

“I came to Congress because I wanted to work to keep our country and economy moving forward,” said Costello. “That is why I will not use the threat of a government shutdown to fight political battles. Anything that keeps Americans out of work, threatens to delay necessary benefits for our veterans and weakens our economy is not a valuable negotiating tool.”