SE Nebraska News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Armed Services Committee, appeared on FOX Business’s "Mornings with Maria" to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, appropriations bills, and sanctions against Russia.

During the interview, Fischer criticized Democrats for voting against a continuing resolution (CR) sent by the House that she described as free from policy riders or “poison pills.” She stated, “We shouldn't even be in a shutdown. The Democrats had the opportunity to vote on a clean CR that was sent to us by the House. There were no policy riders on it. There were no poison pills. They have voted on it before, I think, like 13 times, but this time they decided no.”

Fischer continued by highlighting her concerns about the impact of the shutdown: “No, they were not going to fund the military. No, they were not going to take care of our air traffic controllers. No, they were not going to provide benefits to farmers, to people who are in need getting their proper nutrition for themselves and their families.

“That was their decision. They need to stop it. They need to grow up. Quit throwing a fit, open the government, and let's get to work.”

Addressing progress on appropriations bills in the Senate, Fischer said: “On [the] Appropriations Committee in the Senate, we have passed out eight bills. Leader Thune promised he'd put them on the floor. He has done that. We have passed three and hopefully we're going to do some more.”

She expressed frustration over Democratic opposition to defense funding: “What I was really frustrated at. What I was really angry at, to be honest with you, is that we passed out these appropriations bills in a bipartisan process with lots of support. So, we put the defense appropriations on the floor. It didn't pass. We only had a couple Democrats join us on it. Why wouldn't they vote for it? That's a question that they need to be asked.

“Because everybody's patting themselves on the back that in the Senate, we passed the National Defense Authorization Act. We did that the week before. ‘Oh, this is great. Look what we're giving our troops. What we're doing to defend this country.’

“But when it came down to it, Republicans voted to fund all of those things. To fund paying our troops, to fund being able to provide them with the resources they need. And we only had a couple Democrats join us, I thank them for joining us. We should have had everybody.”

Regarding U.S.-Russia relations and recent sanctions efforts following Russian military activity near Lithuania’s airspace, Fischer commented: “Russia is just after power. You know, I think it was a week ago they flew into the airspace of Lithuania. I support the President's sanctions. I support the bill by Senator Graham and Blumenthal. But…again, if we're able to get together and support sanctions on Russia—to hold them accountable, to make it harder for them. Why can't we get together and open up the government?”