Fleischmann Statement on Democrat Government Shutdown

Chattanooga, TN - U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement after Democrats recklessly shut down the federal government as of 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

"I've long said that government shutdowns are stupid and always cause more harm than good. Nearly two weeks ago, my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee led the way for the House to pass a simple, clean, non-partisan, short-term Continuing Resolution (C.R.) that would fund our government until November 21. Sadly, instead of working with Republicans in the House and Senate to pass the identical C.R. that Democrats supported in March, Democrats have chosen to block our non-partisan funding bill and force a government shutdown on the American People," said Rep. Fleischmann.

"Our fellow Americans have the bare expectation that Congress keeps the lights on and doors open. That's why I have principledly voted to avoid government shutdowns under both Republican and Democrat presidents. It's time for Democrats to end their pointless political posturing and stop blocking the clean C.R. that is sitting in the Senate, collecting dust on Chuck Schumer's desk. Every day that the Democrat Shutdown continues is another day that Americans are thrown into uncertainty, troops are not paid, our border security is weakened, and the high cost to taxpayers to reopen the government grows."

"Once Schumer inevitably caves and Senate Democrats stop blocking the clean C.R., my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee and in the House will be ready to resume our good-faith negotiations to reach a FY26 funding deal that meets the needs of the American People."

###