Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Rockland/Westchester) visited the vaccine development company Protein Sciences on Pfizer's Pearl River Campus in August to speak about what cuts in federal funding could do to such businesses.
Lowey returned to Protein Sciences Monday to call for an end to the ongoing government shutdown.
"The reckless Republican shutdown is a disgrace that is hurting businesses and families across our community," Lowey said through a press release Monday. "This shutdown was completely avoidable, and it is time for Republicans to stop holding our economy hostage. Our government could reopen by dinner time if Speaker (John) Boehner would simply allow the House to vote to reopen the government."
Flublok, a flu vaccine developed by Protein Sciences, was approved by the FDA last year for use by individuals ages 18 to 49. The drug, which is the first egg-free influenza vaccine, is still pending approval for use by individuals ages 50 and older, which could be delayed with FDA employees currently furloughed due to the shutdown. For more on Flublok, see this report on Patch.
Lowey pointed to other ways the shutdown is making an impact on the local economy, including federal employees who live in the area not receiving paychecks until the government reopens.
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