Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) issued a statement after Senate Democrats voted "no" on the continuing resolution passed by Republicans in the House of Representatives, which caused a government shutdown.
"America deserves cooperation, not a government shutdown," Rep. Buchanan said in a statement. "Unfortunately, Democrats chose to put partisan demands ahead of responsible governing, forcing a shutdown that will hurt seniors, veterans, military families, and hardworking Americans." He clarified that "House Republicans acted responsibly by passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution that simply extended existing spending levels approved under President Biden."
Rep. Buchanan further chastised Democrats for demanding an additional $1.5 trillion in spending, which other Republicans have said funds healthcare for illegal aliens and left-wing programs, affirming that Democrats' "ludicrous demands don't stand a chance, and Republicans will not be held hostage by such shameful political tactics."
The Florida Congressman cited a 2024 quote from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), warning, "ff the government shuts down, it will be average Americans who suffer most."
"The American people expect Congress to meet its most basic constitutional responsibility: keeping the government funded," Buchanan concluded, urging his colleagues from across the aisle "to set aside politics, join Republicans in reopening the government immediately, and continue bipartisan negotiations on long-term funding. Our troops, veterans, seniors, and families depend on it."
Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) was equally critical of Sen. Schumer this week, condemning him for his continued refusal to approve the continuing resolution.
"It is clear that he has abandoned what he knows is true, that a shutdown is destructive for the country, and he is willing to set aside the interests of the American people and the services this government provides for them, the taxpayers, and try and hose them for an additional $1.4 trillion for more woke politics," said Sen. Moody.
With the shutdown now in effect, Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) became the first of a growing number of Republicans to refuse her salary until the shutdown ends.
