WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, legislation to end the government shutdown.
“I was never in favor of this shutdown. Back in September, I voted to responsibly fund the government, including support for SNAP, our military, and our air traffic controllers, without partisan provisions. House Republicans advanced that clean funding bill, but Senate Democrats voted against it 14 times, prolonging a shutdown that never should have happened.
“After more than forty days of avoidable disruption, this agreement finally reopens the government and provides stability for American families, our military, air traffic controllers, farmers, and the broader economy. It provides resources for veterans’ benefits, as well as housing and vital programs supporting our service members and their families. It also makes critical investments in America’s rural communities, supporting our farmers and ranchers, and ensuring our food supply remains strong.
“I am especially encouraged that this agreement to reopen the government does not include an extension of Obamacare subsidies. These temporary handouts were never meant to be permanent, and they place an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said that, with the deal in place, the Senate will hold a separate vote on the subsidies, which is the correct approach. Keeping this debate out of the funding bill is a win for taxpayers and creates an opportunity for meaningful discussions and a plan to reform the system in a way that is more accountable and sustainable.
“Wisconsinites deserve leadership that puts them first. The Democrat shutdown accomplished nothing but uncertainty for taxpayers.”
