Rutherford Statement on Reopening the Federal Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the House passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026to fully reopen the federal government and deliver three full-year appropriations bills to keep the government working for constituents while supporting America's servicemembers, veterans, and farmers:

"After more than 40 days of needless suffering inflicted on American workers and families by Senate Democrats, they have finally caved and joined Republicans in passing a measure to reopen the government, officially ending Senator Schumer's Shutdown," said Rutherford. "Republicans in the House and Senate, President Trump, and everyday Americans have begged Democrats to do the right thing for weeks by passing the clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution (CR). Instead, those cries fell on deaf ears. What was it all for?"

"Today, I was proud to vote YES on the CR to reopen the government and pass three full-year funding bills that the Appropriations Committee worked hard on to deliver for the American people. These bills include $50 million for Northeast Florida's military installations that will improve readiness and servicemember quality of life.

"The CR and three appropriations bills put an end to the shutdown chaos and return Congress to regular order while also funding core government functions for the next fiscal year. It's time to get back on track to deliver on the promises we've made to the American people like protecting our national security, championing American values and principles, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, helping our veterans, and bolstering our border protection. Republicans are, and have always been, ready to get Washington back to work."