Buchanan Calls for Cooperation to Reopen and Fund the Government

"America Deserves Cooperation, not a Government Shutdown."

Democrats' Partisan Demands Forced a Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after Democrats forced a federal government shutdown:

"America deserves cooperation, not a government shutdown. Unfortunately, Democrats chose to put partisan demands ahead of responsible governing, forcing a shutdown that will hurt seniors, veterans, military families and hardworking Americans. House Republicans acted responsibly by passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution that simply extended existing spending levels approved under President Biden.

"Rather than work with us to keep the government open, Democrats refused unless Congress repealed the Working Families Tax Cut and tacked on a $1.5 trillion partisan wishlist. Their ludicrous demands don't stand a chance, and Republicans will not be held hostage by such shameful political tactics. Even Chuck Schumer has admitted that 'if the government shuts down, it will be average Americans who suffer most.' That's precisely what will happen unless my Democratic colleagues return to the table in good faith.

"The American people expect Congress to meet its most basic constitutional responsibility: keeping the government funded. I urge Democrats to set aside politics, join Republicans in reopening the government immediately and continue bipartisan negotiations on long-term funding. Our troops, veterans, seniors and families depend on it."