U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding his vote to end the federal government shutdown:
"The reckless and irresponsible political games that caused the Schumer Shutdown have finally ended. After three days of posturing by Senate Democrats, the federal government will reopen. Our troops and their families, who were unnecessarily burdened while serving our country, will be able to continue their service without the uncertainty of not receiving their pay. Additionally, we are enacting the House's prior bipartisan action to extend the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) for six years for the nearly 9 million low-income children that rely on the program, including almost 24,000 children in the 17th Congressional District of Texas.
"Now that the theatrics are over, we can move on to addressing the priorities of hardworking Texas families. We can also resume bipartisan, bicameral discussions on the "four priorities blueprint' for immigration reform. These discussions about border security, DACA, chain migration and the broken visa lottery system were delayed while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer held the country hostage for partisan political purposes.
"As I promised on the eve of the shutdown, I will donate my net pay while the government was shut down to the Fisher House Foundation. Their dedication to supporting our soldiers and their families, even when the federal government fails to, is admirable and praiseworthy."