Chairman Fleischmann Statement on End of the Democrat Government Shutdown

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to reopen the federal government, ending Chuck Schumer's and Democrats' longest government shutdown in history.

"From the beginning of the Democrats' Government Shutdown, beginning on September 19, when I voted for the clean, non-partisan Continuing Resolution (C.R.) to keep our government open, I have said that this government shutdown - purposely caused by Democrat politicians like Chuck Schumer - was indefensible and a farce on the American People. Shutting down the government is always wrong, yet Democrats chose to cause innocent Americans unnecessary pain for over 42 days, said Congressman Fleischmann."

"For 42 days, Americans who rely on SNAP benefits have been in turmoil. For 42 days, federal workers like air traffic controllers, TSA agents, Border Patrol, and patriots in Oak Ridge who keep our nuclear deterrent secure have not been paid. For 42 days, Democrats have chosen to grind the basic functions of government to a halt, regardless of the consequences. For 42 days, the American People have paid the price for Democrats' political games. We cannot ever let a shutdown of this magnitude and length ever happen again."

"Tonight was one of the easiest votes I have taken in Congress. I will never vote to shut down our government and cause Americans needless pain. I am glad some Democrats have seen the error of their ways and worked with me and my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate to reopen our government."

"With passage of this bill to reopen our government, we now have time before the new January 30 deadline to pass the remaining Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bills, including my FY26 Energy and Water bill, which passed the House earlier this year. I hope Democrats will work with us to pass commonsense, bipartisan FY26 appropriations bills that meet the American People's needs and will not force another needless government shutdown on our nation."

###