Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement after declining President Trump’s invitation to the White House amid the ongoing government shutdown:

“Our priority should be to re-open the government, so it can fully serve the American people. Then, we can have a serious discussion about real solutions to border security. I’m not interested in a photo op while Americans are hurting from the longest shutdown in our nation’s history.

I’ve met with President Trump before to advocate for San Diego’s border economy, defend Dreamers, and explain that technology upgrades are the best investment in border security—but that wasn’t during a month-long government shutdown.

The shutdown can end with a vote in the Senate and a signature by the president. The House has presented multiple options to get furloughed employees back to work and open shuttered agencies. Republicans are out of excuses. Until they act, they own this.”

Rep. Peters also sent a letter to the president to officially decline the invitation until the government shutdown ends.