Funding Gov't Means Paying Servicemembers, Border Agents

Press Release

"Yesterday, the Senate took the first step toward avoiding a harmful and unnecessary government shutdown. The business before us now is to pass standard, short-term funding legislation to keep basic and essential government functions operating while work continues on full-year appropriations.

We're talking about making sure that the servicemembers who will continue to stand watch around the world; and the border patrol and ICE agents who will continue to contend with the Biden Administration's border crisis here at home; and the VA medical providers who will continue to care for America's heroes don't have to go without their paychecks.

The choice facing Congress is pretty straightforward. We can take the standard approach and fund the government for six weeks at the current rate of operations… Or we can shut the government down in exchange for zero meaningful progress on policy.

So let's be clear: there are a number of important discussions on additional funding priorities that are still unresolved. Many colleagues are eager to make real progress in bringing the Democrats' reckless spending to heel; to force the Administration to start taking its southern border crisis seriously; to provide greater relief for victims of wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters; and to deliver continued assistance to Ukraine's defense against Russia.

And on all counts, I'm one of them. I'd like to address all of these issues.

But those important discussions cannot progress If Congress simply fails to complete our work on standard, short-term funding, and the basic functions of government end up being taken hostage.

Mr. President, a vote against a standard, short-term funding measure is a vote against paying over $1 billion in salary for CBP and ICE agents working to track down lethal fentanyl and tame our open borders.

Letting FEMA's disaster relief fund dry up is not a productive way to advocate for victims of disasters. Letting small business loan applications collect dust is not a productive way to help working Americans contend with Washington Democrats' historic inflation.

Shutting down the government isn't an effective way to make a point. And keeping it open is the only way to make a difference on the most important issues we face."

Source