Senator Deb Fischer on Government Shutdown, Russian Sanctions, and Congressional Inaction

Government Shutdown Stalemate

• 📌 The government shutdown has reached day 27, with federal workers missing paychecks and critical benefits like SNAP set to expire.
• 🎯 Senator Fischer criticizes Democrats for blocking a clean continuing resolution (CR) from the House, preventing the government from reopening.
• 💡 She highlights that Democrats are refusing to fund the military, air traffic controllers, and support for farmers and families.

Economic and National Security Impacts

• ⚠️ The shutdown is increasingly becoming an economic shutdown, with TSA agents calling out sick and potential disruptions to air travel.
• 💰 A $130 million donation from Timothy Mellon to pay troops is a temporary gesture, not a solution to ongoing payroll issues.
• 🌍 The discussion shifts to Russian sanctions, with support for penalties against Russia's energy sector due to the war in Ukraine.

Congressional Dysfunction and Blame

• 🗣️ Senator Fischer argues that Democrats' inaction is paradoxically giving the President more power by leaving Congress unable to function as an equal branch.
• 🏛️ She expresses frustration that bipartisan appropriations bills, including defense funding, are not receiving Democratic support in the Senate.
• 📢 Fischer urges constituents to call their representatives and demand they fund the government and return to work.

Future Funding and Negotiations

• 🗓️ There is hope to avoid a shutdown extending into 2026, with a preference against relying on continuing resolutions (CRs).
• 🤝 The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed eight bills, but floor action has been stalled, particularly for defense appropriations.
• 🚧 Fischer states she cannot personally concede to Democratic demands and insists on opening the government before discussing other issues like healthcare or COVID extensions.