01.21.18

McConnell: Let’s Resolve the Impasse

‘When the Democrat filibuster of the government funding bill ends, the serious, bipartisan negotiations that have been going on for months now to resolve our unfinished business---military spending; disaster relief; healthcare; immigration and border security—will continue.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor:

“I wanted to give my colleagues an update on where we are. I want to start by particularly thanking Senator Graham, Senator Flake, Senator Collins, and many others who have been working across the aisle to help resolve the impasse we find ourselves in.

“When the Democrat filibuster of the government funding bill ends, the serious, bipartisan negotiations that have been going on for months now to resolve our unfinished business---military spending;  disaster relief;  healthcare; immigration and border security—will continue. It would be my intention to resolve these issues as quickly as possible so that we can move on to other business that is important to our country.

“However should these issues not be resolved by the time the funding bill before us expires on February 8, 2018, assuming that the government remains open, it would be my intention to proceed to legislation that would address DACA, border security, and related issues.  It is also my intention to take up legislation regarding increased defense funding, disaster relief, and other important matters.

“Importantly, when I proceed to the immigration debate, it will have an amendment process that is fair to all sides. I would hope there would be cooperation on these matters in advance of yet another funding deadline.  There is a bipartisan, bicameral group that will continue its negotiations and I look forward to the completion of their work. It would be my strong preference for the Senate to consider a bipartisan, bicameral proposal that can be signed into law.

“But the first step in any of this is re-opening the government and preventing any further delay. The shutdown should stop today. And we’ll soon have a vote that will allow us to do that. Let’s step back from the brink. Let’s stop victimizing the American people and get back to work on their behalf.”

Related Issues: Appropriations, Immigration, Senate Democrats, America's Military