01.24.19

Durbin Statement On Senate Votes To End President Trump's Shutdown

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement after voting for a two week Continuing Resolution (CR) to reopen the government while Congress debates smart and effective border security.  The vote was defeated 52-44, with all Senate Democrats voting to reopen the government.

Durbin voted against the White House’s proposed legislation to end President Trump’s government shutdown in exchange for $5.7 billion for President Trump’s border wall and other items on the President’s wish-list.  President Trump’s bill was defeated 50-47.

Over the past two weeks, I have visited air traffic controllers, federal prison guards, TSA agents, and other federal employees across Illinois who are the victims of the President’s shutdown.  There is no reason why these essential federal employees should continue to suffer while politicians in Washington bargain a compromise on border security.  That is why I voted to reopen the government for two weeks while we continue to debate smart and effective border security.  Unfortunately, not enough of my Republican colleagues joined this bipartisan effort, so the government will remain closed for now and federal employees will risk missing yet another paycheck.

There are several Continuing Resolution options available to reopen the government.  I hope my Republican colleagues will join our call to open the government as soon as possible.

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