SE Nebraska News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) addressed the Senate on Wednesday, calling on Democratic senators to support a clean funding resolution to end the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has now lasted 15 days.

During her remarks, Fischer criticized congressional Democrats for what she described as their role in causing the shutdown. "It’s been 15 days since congressional Democrats shut down the federal government. Let’s call it what it is: a Schumer Shutdown," Fischer said.

She noted that the Senate has voted eight times on a clean continuing resolution, which she described as a short-term bill to fund the government at current levels without additional partisan measures. Fischer argued that this approach would allow Congress to complete work on full-year funding bills in a responsible manner.

Fischer expressed concern over Democratic proposals that she said would increase spending by more than a trillion dollars and eliminate the $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund. "Why in the world would Democrats want to eliminate this crucial fund for our nation’s rural hospitals? It’s unthinkable," she stated.

She further criticized elements of the Democrats’ proposal, saying, "The fact is the Democrats’ so-called 'proposal' to reopen the government is packed with unrelated items. This includes COVID-era bonus payments, overseas 'climate resilience' projects, and taxpayer-funded health care for non-citizens. That’s not responsible governing, and it’s not fair to American families."

Fischer emphasized that House Republicans had already passed and sent a clean continuing resolution to the Senate. "That means it has no poison pills, no policy riders on it. Democrats have rejected it 8 times. It’s time for Senator Schumer and his caucus to drop their partisan wish list and do their jobs," she said.

Referencing reporting from Punchbowl News on October 9th, Fischer quoted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as saying, "every day gets better for us." She interpreted this as prioritizing party interests over those of federal employees and families affected by the shutdown.

"This shutdown is hurting people. Farmers are losing access to federal support at a time when the ag economy is already strained. Construction projects that rely on federal funds are stalling. Air traffic controllers and federal employees face uncertainty about their paychecks. None of this is necessary," Fischer said.

She called for a focus on passing a short-term funding bill without sweeping policy changes, warning that further delays could result in deeper cuts to essential services.

Fischer highlighted that the House-passed continuing resolution would maintain current funding until November 21st, after which Congress could address appropriations bills with bipartisan support.

"As a member of that committee, I am deeply committed to a transparent process. One where senators debate, amend, and vote on each bill individually – before the end of the fiscal year. All we’re asking is to reopen the government so we can continue this funding process. Leader Thune promised we would take the bills up – we have already passed three of them. Let’s show the American people bipartisanship and transparency and continue this important work," Fischer said.

She concluded by urging Democrats to prioritize reopening the government. "Republicans’ goal is simple: reopen the government now, protect our military and families, and return to regular order."

"If just a handful of Senate Democrats join Republicans, we can end this shutdown. I hope when we next vote to reopen the government, my Democratic colleagues with join us in doing the right thing," Fischer said.