Senator McConnell Vows to Prevent Government Shutdown

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., stated on Monday that Senate Republicans will ensure that the government does not shut down, emphasizing that Americans will closely observe Congress’s response to the situation.

Funding for several departments, including Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs, is set to expire by the end of this week. If Congress does not take action, funding for the majority of other government agencies will run out next week.

McConnell told reporters as he headed to the Senate chamber, as reported by The Hill, “We’re not going to allow the government to shut down.”

During his speech on the Senate floor, McConnell cautioned that without action by Friday, the country would face unnecessary disruptions in various sectors like agriculture, transportation, military construction, and essential services at the VA. He stressed that a shutdown is detrimental and does not yield positive outcomes in terms of policy or politics.

McConnell highlighted that a shutdown this week can be avoided, as full-year appropriations were passed by the Senate for these important areas four months ago, and the House has also produced its own full-year legislation.

Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, who is the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, mentioned to The Hill that there are still significant differences between Democrat and Republican negotiators. Despite these differences, Collins expressed hope that progress can be made to avoid a government shutdown and pass important bills this week.