Ninth Day of Government Shutdown as Congress Remains Deadlocked on Funding Plan Live Updates from CNN Politics
Key Republicans Urge Bipartisan Efforts to Halt Government Shutdown
Senator Murkowski Calls for Urgent Resolution
Senator Lisa Murkowski emphasized the need for bipartisan “constructive conversations” to address the ongoing government shutdown. She stressed the urgency of opening the government to prevent workers from missing paychecks. Senator Murkowski expressed her concerns to Emegypt about potential federal workforce cuts suggested by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, which could cause “uncertainty” and “panic” regarding essential services, particularly in Alaska where communities rely on Department of Transportation-supported air services.
Impacts of the Shutdown: No Targeting of Blue States
Murkowski stated that targeting specific states, such as blue states mentioned in discussions about the shutdown, should not be the focus. “A government shutdown impacts everybody, unfortunately,” she said, underscoring that no regions should be unfairly targeted during the crisis.
Senator Collins Advocates for White House Involvement
Senator Susan Collins, known for occasionally opposing her party’s policies, highlighted the necessity of White House involvement in bipartisan negotiations. She pointed out that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has previously opposed shutdowns, bears significant responsibility in these discussions.
Calls for Collaborative Efforts from Lawmakers
As the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins has presented her own strategy to reopen the government. In a similar vein, Democratic colleagues, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, have introduced proposals, fostering hope for a consensus to be reached and an agreement finalized.
Concerns Over Workforce Cuts
Senator Collins voiced her disagreement with Vought’s suggestion of firing furloughed workers, labeling it “extremely unfair.” She warned that such actions would impair the operational efficiency of agencies when they reopen, exacerbating the ongoing challenges posed by the shutdown.
