09.29.23

Congress Has Opportunity To Avoid Shutdown, Continue Important Work

‘Shutting down the government doesn’t help anybody politically. It doesn’t make any meaningful progress on policy. And it heaps unnecessary hardships on the American people and the brave men and women who keep us safe.’

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding government funding:

“Congress has until tomorrow night to pass a straightforward, short-term funding extension and avoid a federal government shutdown.

“All this week, and every time we’ve found ourselves in this situation before, I’ve offered my colleagues the same warning:

“Shutting down the government doesn’t help anybody politically.

“It doesn’t make any meaningful progress on policy.

“And it heaps unnecessary hardships on the American people. As well as the brave men and women who keep us safe.

“Right now, I’m encouraged that many of our colleagues who share my concerns are working hard on amendments to strengthen the pending legislation and avert the disastrous effects of a shutdown.

“Congress has an opportunity right now:

“To pay our servicemembers, border security personnel, and other essential workers.

“To keep important government functions running.

“And to keep the lights on so the important discussions we’re having right now – about dealing with Democrats’ border crisis, delivering disaster relief, supporting Ukraine, and reining in reckless spending – can continue.

“And I would urge our colleagues to take that opportunity.”

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Related Issues: Ukraine, America's Military, Appropriations