This is an emergency! So SHUT UP(down)

Without a doubt the number one issue that has been on the minds of the Representatives of the House and Senate has been the government shutdown. As the first full week of the shutdown is drawing to a close, it seems we are no closer to ending this debacle. Bipartisan support is necessary in coming up with a solution, but despite the claims that each member is working tirelessly on a resolution, their actions appear no more sophisticated than five year old's who won't have it any way but theirs. On Tuesday, Representative Timothy Bishop shared his stance with his his constituents in a letter on what he thinks of the shutdown.
"The House GOP has voted to ensure a harmful, and completely avoidable, shutdown of federal government operations beginning today. It is deeply regrettable that the House leadership and its Tea Party-dominated caucus have abdicated their responsibility to govern and, instead, have chosen to pursue partisan political goals at the expense of the American people’s interests." Essentially Timothy Bishop is stating that this is the last thing he wished to happen, and that it is completely the fault of the Republican party for such an act to occur. While he may call foul on Republicans, this is something being echoed on both sides of the parties. Neither side seems to be taking responsibility for it, instead blaming the unruliness of the other. This constant name-bashing does nothing but angers the American people, and although currently the majority of people blame Republicans, if this keeps up it may swing the other way.
Despite the constant infighting going on in the House, on a local level Timothy Bishop has attempted to explain to both local municipalities and citizens within the first district what the government shutdown means for them. Through statements on his own website and emails to those within his district he explains which facilities and programs will continue to remain open and which will be affected. He also continues to hold conference calls with various local municipalities to inform them of any updates(or lack thereof) occurring. In doing this Bishop is attempting to ensure that his constituents do not feel like they have been forgotten about and they still matter. It also keeps Timothy Bishop in contact with the local governing bodies, who will better be able to tell him how his constituents are feeling.
A major issue that Timothy Bishop has advocated for during this shutdown has been the funding for FEMA and other emergency response programs. In a speech given on the House floor, seen here: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/clip/4467412, he argues that not only FEMA but all programs should be funded. The defense of this funding from Timothy Bishop comes from the destruction Super-Storm Sandy brought to Long Island. He knows how devastating these storms can be, and how crucial the response is.
The focus for Mr. Bishop and the government as a whole has been the shutdown occurring, and how to cope with it locally and nationally while coming up with a solution. But until these Congressman put on their "big boy pants," nothing will get done.

http://timbishop.house.gov/latest-news/bishop-disasters-need-full-government-response-not-just-fema/
http://timbishop.house.gov/latest-news/bishop-hosts-conference-call-on-local-impacts-of-federal-shutdown/
http://timbishop.house.gov/latest-news/statement-on-federal-government-shutdown/