By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
As we approach one month since Senate Democrats shut down the federal government, Senate Republicans continue to fight to end the stalemate and reopen the government for the American people. Meanwhile, Democrats have voted more than a dozen times to keep it closed. For four weeks, I’ve written about this ongoing shutdown. While I would much rather share updates on the progress we’re making for Nebraskans on Capitol Hill, I cannot ignore this unprecedented impasse created by the Democratic Party.
Senate Republicans have offered a bipartisan, clean continuing resolution — free of new or partisan policies — simply to keep the lights on while Congress finishes its work. Yet Democrats continue to block it. Since they refuse to support this common-sense short term patch, we’ve pressed forward with the regular appropriations process to responsibly fund the government.
Before the shutdown began, the Senate had already passed three of the 12 appropriations bills through regular order — meaning they were fully debated, amended, and approved in committee before passing on the Senate floor. Each reflected bipartisan cooperation and real benefits for Americans across the country.
These bills — the Military Construction–Veterans Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Acts — deliver tens of millions of dollars to Nebraska communities. This funding supports rural infrastructure, local development, and essential veterans’ services. I fought tirelessly for these projects as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Until Democrats end this shutdown, those critical projects remain stalled — and Nebraskans are paying the price.
Last week, when Majority Leader John Thune brought the Defense Appropriations Act to the floor, Democrats blocked it as well. That decision is indefensible. At a time of growing global threats, they are choosing political theater over national security. Just one week earlier, the Senate passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act with bipartisan support — yet Democrats suddenly refused to fund the very programs they voted for.
This year’s Defense Appropriations Act would pay our troops and fund vital military operations. It includes more than $200 million for defense programs that strengthen America’s security and directly support Nebraska’s military community — including U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), the 55th Wing, and the 557th Weather Wing, all based at Offutt Air Force Base.
The first duty of Congress is to defend our nation. I’m deeply disappointed that Democrats have blocked the legislation that allows us to fulfill that responsibility. By refusing to fund the government and our military, they are failing the American people. It’s time for Democrats to put politics aside, work with Republicans to reopen the government, strengthen our national defense, and deliver results for the country.
I remain hopeful that common sense will prevail — and that Senate Democrats will finally vote to end this shutdown and fulfill their constitutional duty to the American people.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.