Gianforte Votes to End Schumer Shutdown, Reopen the Government

Press Release

After speaking on the House floor earlier today to urge Senate Democrats to abandon their filibuster of a government funding bill, Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte voted to reopen the federal government.

"I am thankful the government will reopen soon so our troops will get paid and 24,000 Montana children will have health insurance soon," Gianforte said.

"This all could have been avoided. I voted last week to prevent a shutdown. I'm disappointed that Senate Democrats cut off government funding, troop pay, and kids' insurance for political games," Gianforte said.

"We need to move beyond petty politics and get back to the issues that really matter to Montanans -- creating good-paying Montana jobs, strengthening our national defense, taking care of our veterans, and protecting our public lands," Gianforte said.

"Washington is broken, and the dysfunction must end," Gianforte said. "In September, I voted for bills to fund the government for the entire year, but they have been stuck in the Senate for more than four months. In fact, the House has passed nearly 500 bills since the start of last year, and about 400 of them are stuck in the Senate. The Senate should get to work for the American people."

Background:

On January 22, Gianforte voted to reopen the federal government after Senate Democrats lifted their filibuster and the Senate passed a bill to fund the government. The only difference between today's funding bill and the one the House passed last week to avoid a shutdown is the date.

On January 22, Gianforte spoke on the House floor, urging Senate Democrats to reopen the federal government and provide health insurance to 9 million vulnerable children in America.

On January 20, the first day of the government shutdown, Gianforte instructed appropriate officials to withhold his pay until troops get paid. Gianforte also cosponsors the Pay Our Protectors, Not Our Politicians Act.

On January 19, Gianforte called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats to vote to avoid a government shutdown and reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program. Led by Schumer, 44 Senate Democrats vote to shut down the federal government.

On January 18, Gianforte voted to fund the government and provide 24,000 Montana children with health insurance with a six-year extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The House passes the bill 230-197.

On November 3, 2017, Gianforte voted to reauthorize CHIP for five years as part of the Championing Health Kids Act. The bill passed the House 242-174 and continues to await action in the Senate.

On September 14, 2017, Gianforte voted for the Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, twelve appropriations bills to fund the government through the end of the 2018 fiscal year. More than four months after its passage, the government funding bills await action in the Senate.

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