James Votes to Reopen Government

"Nobody wins in a government shutdown. Troops went unpaid, SNAP funding ran out, our skies were unsafe, and the American people suffered. But the truth remains that this was completely avoidable. I am so proud to serve the people of Michigan, but I'm so disappointed in the dysfunction of Washington.

Here are the facts. On September 19th, House Republicans and I voted to keep the government open. Since then, Democrats voted 14 times to keep the government shutdown. Today, I reaffirmed my commitment to the American people and I voted alongside House Republicans to open the government while Democrats again voted to continue the shutdown. Those facts are not debatable.

I'm especially disappointed by many in the American media for carrying water for the Democrat party and lying to the faces of the American people about this shutdown. Too many so-called journalists have become the PR arm of the Democrat party. Their continuous lies and omissions to the American people are driving our nation apart. Big Media continuously and blatantly betrays its duty to tell the truth. It's no wonder why the only thing Americans trust less than Congress is the media.

Despite the shutdown, I need to recognize the work that my team in D.C. and Warren did while going unpaid. While I also refused a paycheck, we continued to work on behalf of the American people. We fought to support infrastructure projects on 8-Mile Road, fund Selfridge, and solve constituent casework, closing 72 cases and returning $63,765 to Michiganders during the shutdown. I'm especially proud that this bill includes $20 million for construction of the Selfridge runway, ensuring the base is ready for the new F-15EX mission. I've fought for this since day one, and I'm thrilled to see Selfridge get the support it deserves.

While I'm glad this shutdown is over, we must solve the rot of dysfunction that has plagued Congress."

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