WASHINGTON — The federal government is closed, and Washington D.C. appears to be locked in a stalemate. NonStop Local is tracking reaction from lawmakers across the northwest.
Idaho:
Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID) says conversations were ongoing to keep the government operational throughout Tuesday.
“The Republicans in the House really did their job, we sent a bill over to the Senate,” Fulcher said, “it was a continuation of funding for the government through November 21. which would give us time to finish the appropriations [process.]”
The congressman said the sticking point have to do with healthcare and he didn’t feel Republicans would back down given the recent legislative wins and presidential win they’ve had.
“I don’t think that Republicans have come this far with the “Big Beautiful Bill and these policies to stop at this point, and reversed course,” Fulcher said. “They want to [Democrats] reinsert taxpayer health care for illegals, they want to repeal a lot of money that we put in for border security, really it’s kind of a relitigation of a lot of things that got passed in the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) called the Democratic proposal “unserious” on social media.
“(Democrats) are demanding an unserious proposal that would increase government spending by a staggering $1 trillion and wipe out a vast majority of the savings Republicans have worked diligently to pass since the start of the Congress. The Senate will keep voting to reopen the government–Democrats have the choice either to support a CR as they did 13 times under the previous Administration, or pursue unreasonable political objectives.
Washington:
We asked Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) about these remarks, she is the ranking member on the appropriations committee, and was on the floor all night as votes took place, her team responded with the fact check article from the New York Times and this statement:
“Republicans are outright lying because their attacks on health care are massively unpopular. Here’s the simple truth: undocumented immigrants are not eligible to enroll in federally-funded health coverage under existing law or Democrats’ funding proposal—but millions of American citizens will see their health care premiums double next year if Republicans keep refusing to act,” Senator Murray said via email statement, “At a time when prices for just about everything are skyrocketing, Republicans are making matters worse and refusing to work with Democrats to prevent Americans’ premiums from doubling.”
Both Democrats and Republicans have sent legislation to the Senate that did not pass – that ended in the closure of government operations Wednesday.
Republicans control all three branches of government, but to bypass the filibuster, also known as cloture they need it 60 votes in the senate, which Republicans do not have.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) took to social media to blame Democrats.
“The Democrats should step back from their short-sighted plan to use a government shutdown to placate their base and attempt to expand Obamacare,” Baumgartner wrote. “It won’t work. Important Federal employees and tax-paying citizens will suffer as a result.”
Wyoming:
Early on Republicans branded this “The Schumer Shutdown,” calling the Minority leader more liberal than AOC. That statements for echoed early Wednesday by Senator Barrasso (R-WY.)
““Senate Democrats have now officially dragged our nation into a Schumer Shutdown. This shutdown did not have to happen, and it certainly does not need to continue,” Barrasso said on the floor. “There is only one good option to reopen the government. That option is the bipartisan, clean continuing resolution that we will vote on this morning. The House already passed it with bipartisan support. President Trump is ready to sign it. Senate Republicans voted to pass it yesterday. All it takes to reopen the government is cooperation from just five more Senate Democrats. We picked up three Democrats last night.”
Montana:
Early today Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) was on CNBCS “Squawk Box,” and said he was hoping to shut down is not long, and that this will come to an end when five more Democrats joining republicans to pass a temporary extension.
That temporary expansion will run through November 21st.
Senator Daines was among the first brand it “The Schumer Shut Down.”
This statement was emailed out last night before the shut down went into full force.
“Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats showed their true colors when they ignored the best interests of the American people and voted to shut down the federal government tonight,” Daines via email release, “Shutdowns do nothing but hurt our country- our brave service members will not get paid and millions of Montanans, including our veterans, will lose access to services they depend on. This shutdown is nothing but an attempt by Senate Democrats to score political points from their radical base, but the American people see right through it. I’ll keep fighting to re-open the government, so we can get back to work delivering wins for Montana and the nation.”
Montana’s newly elected republican senator, Senator Tim Sheehy pointed the finger to the far left.
“Chuck Schumer and the Democrats put partisan games over the best interests of the American people and shut down the government,” Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) said, “Democrats are holding critical resources for our military, veterans, and hardworking Montana families hostage to appease their radical, far-left base. I was elected on a promise to restore common sense in our nation’s capital, and I’ll keep voting to stop the Schumer Shutdown and get back to work.”
This article will be updated as the shutdown develops.
