Press Releases

WASHINGTON — “The House has done its job and passed a clean CR to fund the federal government,” Speaker Johnson said. “If Senate Democrats block an up-or-down vote, then it’s crystal clear: they are responsible for the ensuing government shutdown. Period.”

For years, Senate Democrats were vehemently opposed to government shutdowns and always supported continuing resolutions – that is, until the inauguration of President Trump. Now, they are actively and openly pushing for the government to shut down – which is inexplicable considering Senate Democrats supported a clean, continuing resolution just 3 months ago. 

The government will run out of funding Friday night for U.S. troops, flights will be delayed and canceled, and essential government services will be delayed or stopped altogether. If Senate Democrats need advice on whether to keep the government open, they should heed their own past statements.

SENATE DEMOCRATS, IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

Leader Chuck Schumer

September 16, 2024: “If the government shuts down, it will be average Americans who suffer most. A government shutdown means seniors who rely on Social Security could be thrown into chaos as the Social Security Administration limits certain services, like benefit verifications or fixing errors in payments. Our veterans could see regional VA offices shut down and support services put on halt. Some of our military service members could be forced to work without pay. Families who benefit from WIC and other nutrition programs could see benefits halted. And a shutdown would shake the confidence of our economic recovery, something we can’t possibly afford at a time like this.”

Senator Patty Murray

February 27, 2024: “A shutdown come Saturday would create real issues in the daily lives of the American people: risking air travel delays and passengers’ safety, putting off food safety inspections, denying many Americans the home loans they are counting on, leaving America’s farmers behind, and so much more. A Republican shutdown would be nothing short of a disaster. It costs the American taxpayer dearly and stunts the economy all while severely disrupting the basic functions of government across agencies like the FAA and FDA.”

Senator Raphael Warnock

September 29, 2023: “Georgia businesses are relying on the federal government to stay open and functioning to keep our economy strong, and Georgia’s families and communities are counting on investments and services that will cease if the government shuts down. More importantly, a federal government shutdown will keep Congress from focusing on the issues that matter most: lowering the cost of health care, creating jobs, keeping the nation secure, and more.”

Senator Mark Warner

September 13, 2024: “If you feel like you’ve seen this show before and it’s a rerun, you’re right… End of the day, on this issue, again, no state in the country is more disproportionately hit than Virginia with a government shutdown.”

Senator Mark Kelly

September 29, 2023: “A government shutdown would have serious impacts. Servicemembers won't get their paychecks. Airports could have major delays. Nutrition assistance for children could be cut off. We can’t let any of that happen. Congress needs to work together to prevent a shutdown.”

Senator Adam Schiff

September 2023: “Had the government shut down, hundreds of thousands of people would have not gotten their paychecks. Federal employees would have been furloughed, sent home, and others deemed essential like TSA workers, they would have been forced to go to work and not paid. Service members in the military would be forced to go to work and not get paid.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

February 29, 2024: “Avoiding a government shutdown is not a positive achievement. It’s kind of like not punching yourself in the face — good not to do, but...  And when we go through this so a handful of senators can fundraise off amendments they know won’t pass, it’s aggravating.”

Senator Chris Murphy

November 12, 2023: “The priority has to be keeping the government open and I think this is a moment where reasonable people in the Senate, and that’s where most of the reasonable people are these days, have to make sure that we are not making the perfect the enemy of the good.”

Senator Maggie Hassan

December 21, 2024: “Government shutdowns have real and severe impacts on the American people, including by risking our national security and threatening livelihoods – which is why it is important that we voted on a bipartisan basis to avert a shutdown.”

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