Washington, DC – The Arc released the following statement in response to Congress reaching a stalemate on funding the federal government, and consequently, shutting down the federal government’s non-essential operations:

“The Arc is dismayed that Congress has failed to complete action on the Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations bills, resulting in a shutdown of the federal government. This action will have a detrimental impact on people with disabilities who rely on federal programs and services. Furthermore, programs with strong bipartisan support, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program, need to be extended now or children will begin losing vital health insurance coverage.

“In addition, the issues with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program must be addressed as promised to provide pathways to legal status or citizenship; this stalemate will affect people with disabilities along with others who have made their homes in the US since childhood.

“The Arc urges Congress to fulfill its legislative responsibilities and continue to fund the federal government including the critical programs that people with IDD rely on to live and work in the community. This shutdown leaves us in limbo,” said Peter Berns, CEO, The Arc.

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The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of over 650 chapters across the country promoting and

protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.