Release: Democrats Shut the Government Down

Washington, D.C.- At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 1^st, the United States government has officially shut down. Two weeks ago, House Republicans passed a clean short-term continuing resolution to keep the government open and allow the House and Senate to finish the appropriations process. The House Appropriations Committee has passed all twelve appropriations bills out of committee.

Only one Democrat voted for it, even though this continuing resolution mirrors the same extensions that the vast majority of Democrats voted to support 13 times previously. House Republicans, Senate Republicans, and the White House are united in support of a clean, short-term CR to keep the government open.

Government shutdowns cost the taxpayers millions and have negative impacts on the economy. This is especially detrimental to thousands of Oklahomans who work or contract with the federal government. During a shutdown, our service members, TSA agents, CBP officers, and countless others could go unpaid.

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice issued the following statement:

"I am extremely frustrated we are heading into a government shutdown, a situation which was totally avoidable. This funding extension is nearly identical to numerous ones that Democrats have supported in the past, proving they would rather play games and hold the pay of millions of Americans hostage. By refusing to move our short-term funding bill forward, they are forcing a harmful and unnecessary shutdown that will cause instability for Oklahomans in my congressional district and across the country. This is not responsible governing; Washington should be providing stability, not chaos. I will continue fighting for solutions that put people first and keep the government functioning."

Additional Actions Taken by Congresswoman Bice:

• Co-sponsored the Pay Our Troops Act for FY26: ensures our service members, including those serving in the Coastguard, continue to be paid in the event of a government shutdown.
• Co-sponsored the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026: Provides salary and expenses for the Department of Homeland Security personnel during a government shutdown