WASHINGTON D.C.--The government is officially shutdown.
     Congressman Henry Cuellar said he voted to keep the government open because he knows how this will impact the Rio Grande Valley.
     "This has an income disruption to the valley. This will have an impact on programs and services from veteran, to the FDA, to loan decisions, CDC...the flu season that we're facing right now. So it affects so many ways our community down there," said Cuellar.
     Congressman Cuellar explained, how many people affected live paycheck to paycheck.
     "I heard this in 2013, they said, congressman, I still have a mortgage. I have a car payment. I still have kids in school. I still have to get food on the table, so I need this check," said Cuellar.
     He said that's why he did not want the shutdown to happen.
     "That's why I voted yes to keep the government open, because I don't want to tell the military who are still serving, but are not going to get paid, or other federal employees that are protecting us on the border and say 'don't worry about it, we're going to pay you later'," said Cuellar.
     He wants people here to know, border patrol agents and cbp officers will not stop working to secure our border because of the shutdown.
     "They'll continue working because they're essential employees, but any other civilians will be sent home and they won't get paid until all of this is worked out," said Cuellar.
     Congressman Cuellar said he doesn't know how long this shutdown will last.
     In 2013, it was 16 days.
     "This is why people need to understand that a shutdown over any issue, over any issue, is wrong, and we cannot do this again," said Cuellar.
     He hopes it's resolved soon.
     Congressman Cuellar said he supports dreamers, and thinks there's a way to protect them while keeping the government open.