Local politicians react to federal government shutdown

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Associated Press (AP) reports Washington is bracing for what could be a prolonged federal shutdown after lawmakers deadlocked and missed the deadline for funding the government. Some politicians who represent the Tri-State reacted accordingly.

The AP says Republicans supported a short-term measure to fund the government generally at current levels through November 21, but Democrats blocked it, insisting the measure address their concerns on health care. 

Local politicians react

U.S. Senator Rand Paul

U.S. Senator Rand Paul says, “Both parties are pushing budgets that explode the deficit, Democrats by $3 trillion and Republicans by $2 trillion. I want less spending and less deficit. I introduced the Penny Plan to balance the budget in five years with across-the-board restraint. Predictably, neither party would let it pass. This bickering back and forth about which party wants the shutdown more is hogwash. It’s proof of how rare it is to have representation in DC that is serious about fiscal responsibility.”

U.S. Senator Todd Young

U.S. Senator Todd Young issued a statement after he says Senate Democrats blocked the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, a bill to extend current spending levels for seven weeks and avoid a government shutdown.

Sen. Young says, “The overwhelming majority of Americans do not want a government shutdown. I have repeatedly voted for a clean funding bill that would keep the federal government open and allow the Senate to continue debating other issues. I urge Senate Democrats to abandon this manufactured crisis and vote to reopen the government.”

Sen. Young notes the current federal government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, the first lapse in funding in nearly seven years. The Senate will next meet on Friday.