Risch Statement on Government Funding

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement upon the Senate's passage of the Continuing Resolution and a package of appropriations bills to fund the Military, Construction, and Veteran Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch.

"As I have long said, government shutdowns are a terrible waste of time and resources. Over the last 41 days, I've voted 16 times to reopen the government. I'm relieved that eight Democrats have finally decided to join with Senate Republicans to start us down that path," said Risch. "We must ensure SNAP recipients and veterans can access assistance, and that our military, air traffic controllers, and so many other important government employees receive the pay that hasn't come in weeks. To make sure this doesn't happen again, we must pass the Eliminate Shutdowns Act immediately."

Senator Risch voted in support of the Eliminate Shutdowns Act earlier this year, which would prevent the federal government from shutting down. The bill did not pass the Senate. Senator Risch is also a cosponsor of the Shutdown Fairness Act to ensure federal employees, including our military, law enforcement, and TSA agents, get paid on time.

Permalink: https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/11/risch-statement-on-government-funding