Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered a passionate plea on the Senate floor today, urging his colleagues to work together to avoid a government shutdown. McConnell emphasized the negative consequences of a shutdown, stating that they are "bad news whichever way you look at them."

Highlighting the unnecessary hardships that a shutdown would create for millions of Americans, McConnell pointed out that nearly 46,000 servicemembers and 22,000 civilian workers in his home state of Kentucky would be affected. He stressed that government shutdowns hardly ever produce meaningful policy outcomes and would disrupt the important work on the Senate's agenda.

McConnell acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Senator Collins, Senator Murray, and their colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to fulfill the Senate's commitment to funding the government through regular order. He also recognized the concerns of colleagues in both chambers regarding several key priorities.

These priorities include taking action to rein in reckless spending, addressing the consequences of the Biden Administration's failure to secure the southern border, providing relief to communities recovering from natural disasters across the country, and countering the threats posed by Russia and China while continuing to support Ukraine.

In the coming weeks, McConnell expressed hope that the Administration would work with Congress to address these pressing needs. However, he emphasized the need for Congress to extend government funding by the end of the week to ensure that work on appropriations can continue uninterrupted.

McConnell outlined the clearest path forward as a standard, short-term continuing resolution. He called for the production of resources and flexibility to maintain essential government functions at their current rates of operation while progress on full-year appropriations continues.

Addressing the notion of delaying action on short-term government funding, McConnell stated that it does not advance any meaningful policy priorities and does not strengthen anyone's political position. Instead, it puts important progress on hold and leaves millions of Americans on edge.

McConnell expressed his expectation that the Appropriations Committee would finalize a short-term funding extension in the very near future for the Senate to review. He encouraged his colleagues to join him in supporting a standard, responsible step forward.

With the deadline for government funding approaching, it remains to be seen whether Congress will heed McConnell's call and avoid a damaging government shutdown.

For more information, please visit: https://www.senate.gov/