Downing Statement on End of the Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following a vote in the United States House of Representatives to reopen the federal government and end the 42 day-long government shutdown.

"After more than 42 days, Congress has finally reopened the government. With the Senate's amendments to our clean CR passed, Americans across the country who have been deprived of nutritional assistance, critical programs, or their paychecks will no longer face the hardship and uncertainty brought on by this shutdown. This is a good thing.

"If we want to prevent something like this from happening in the future, we cannot forget how we got here. Democrats voted for more than 6 weeks-that's 42 days or 1008 hours-to keep our government closed while Americans suffered. And for what? We are functionally very near where we would have been had we passed the House's September CR.

"I'm proud that I cast my vote to keep the government open then and now. Let this saga be a stark reminder of the consequences of brinksmanship and the real damage that's done when one side of the aisle puts politics before people. Now, it's time for Congress to pass our remaining appropriations bills and return to regular order."

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