In the News

http://http//www.arkansasmatters.com/news/local-news/government-shutdown-ends-on-day-3/932777570

WASHINGTON, D.C. - It's official. Congress has approved a plan to reopen the government three days after it was shutdown by disagreement on Capitol Hill.

A compromise plan passed in the U.S. Senate earlier in the day and as the evening began, the U.S. House also gave it the green light.

It extends funding of the government through Feb. 8. and Senate Republican leaders have promised a vote on an immigration plan.

Statements on Vote to Reopen the Government from Arkansas delegation: 
“I am pleased that we are moving forward. Passage of this bill means the government should be reopening very quickly after this completely unnecessary shutdown. There was no reason for Senator Schumer to withhold funding for military readiness, border security, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and more while demanding an immediate solution to the issue facing DACA recipients. Let’s return to working in good faith to address the issues facing the American people, including a legislative solution that provides comprehensive immigration reform while securing our border.” - U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR).

“It’s good news for the American people that the federal government will soon reopen, but it should have never been closed in the first place. I commend Senator McConnell for taking a consistent line on the immigration debate. And I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on a deal that protects both DACA recipients and hard-working Arkansans.” - U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas).

“I’m glad to see Senate Minority Leader Schumer come to his senses and persuade his colleagues to provide the votes to fund our government including our military and health care for children. The 120,000 kids in Arkansas are thankful that during this flu season, they will be able to access the care they need through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Our men and women in uniform will again be paid for their service and they will have the tools they need to respond to the unprecedented national security threats across the nation and globe. The House has passed all of our spending bills through the committee process and approved them before our September 30, 2017 deadline. I urge the Senate to pass these measures, so we will not continue running our country on short-term continuing resolutions.” - Congressman French Hill (AR-02).

"I’m pleased that this unnecessary shutdown has ended. Funding the government is among the most fundamental of our legislative duties. Making demands unrelated to funding and resulting in a shutdown is legislative malfeasance. We should now focus our efforts on resolving the many remaining challenges facing our country—and doing so in a constructive way.” - Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3).