Washington, D.C.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today announced that he would maintain full staff levels in his Washington and district offices for the duration of any potential government shutdown.

“Republicans’ refusal to negotiate in good faith on a federal budget shouldn’t mean the people of Southern Arizona stop getting the representation they deserve,” Grijalva said. “My staff will be doing their jobs as long as I’m in Congress whether my colleagues on the other side of the aisle believe in government services or not.”

Although Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) had previously indicated he would support a budget with $33 billion in cuts from current levels – the level of cuts Republicans had initially sought – the House Republican majority has refused to approve any budget that continues government operations through Sept. 30, the last day of fiscal year 2011. Unless a deal is reached, most government operations will cease at midnight on Friday, April 8.

Grijalva said a shutdown would not reduce his office’s workload. “I believe in keeping our promise to the American people that we carry out our functions to the best of our abilities,” Grijalva said. “Federal employees are an essential part of our national work force. Even if Republicans want to shut down government agencies and cut off work contracts, I will maintain my level of commitment to the people I represent. My staff work will reflect that commitment.”