Congress approves plan to reopen government after three-day shutdown

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The Capitol Dome is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington July 28, 2011. (AP)

Congress has passed a bipartisan stopgap spending bill to reopen the federal government after a three-day partial shutdown.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted 266-150 to reopen the government and extend funding through Feb. 8, hours after the Senate voted in favor of the measure, 81-18. The bill also provides money for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years, including Alabama’s ALLKids program. President Donald Trump is expected to quickly sign the measure to resume government operations, allowing hundreds of thousands of federal workers to resume working on Tuesday.
The measure had the support of the entire Alabama delegation, in both chambers.
Here’s what Alabama’s Congressional delegation had to say about the shutdown and their votes:

U.S. Senate

Richard Shelby yes voteSen. Richard Shelby:

No official statement released.

 

Sen. Doug Jones:

The Senate still needs to pass a long-term funding plan that addresses the many critical issues facing our nation, but I’m pleased to announce we were able to rise above partisan politics and find consensus.

U.S. House of Representatives

Bradley Byrne_YesAlabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne:
This shutdown was meaningless and petty. Senate Democrats shut down the federal government over illegal immigration, but thankfully they caved after realizing the blame was squarely on their shoulders.

To make clear, there was no agreement made in the House about any issues relating to illegal immigration. This #SchumerShutdown accomplished absolutely nothing. I hate that this whole ordeal even occurred, but I am glad the federal government can now return to business.

Martha Roby_YesAlabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby:

I am pleased to report that Senate Democrats have finally come around and decided to end the #SchumerShutdown. The House just passed a bill to reopen the government.

I’m glad it’s over, but it never should’ve happened. Senate Democrats held funding for our military and children’s health insurance hostage over an unrelated immigration issue that doesn’t have an immediate deadline.

Mike Rogers_YesAlabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers:

No official statement released.

 

Robert Aderholt_YesAlabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt:
By voting to end their shutdown and allowing the government to reopen, the Senate Democrats folded on what the rest of America knew to be a losing position. I am proud that Speaker Ryan and Leader McCarthy stood firm on our conservative principles and did not reward legislative hostagetaking.

Let me be clear, House Members do not feel bound to resolve the differences in DACA and immigration enforcement before the next funding deadline. House leadership has been consistent in their belief that these are two separate issues that will be resolved on two separate legislative tracks.

Mo Brooks_YesAlabama 5th District U.S. Rep Mo Brooks:

No official statement released.

 

Gary Palmer_YesAlabama 6th District U.S. Rep Gary Palmer:

No official statement released.

 

Terri Sewell_Yes
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep Terri Sewell:

Today’s vote to reopen the government and fund CHIP was an important bipartisan step forward. I am disappointed that it took as long as it did for Republicans to work with Democrats, but I am hopeful that today’s deal lays the groundwork for both parties to address some of our nation’s biggest challenges, from healthcare to immigration to care for our veterans. For Alabama families who depend on ALL Kids, for the men and women in the Armed Forces, for federal health researchers, for Alabama’s hospitals, and for all of my constituents, this legislation is a step towards future cooperation.

Today’s agreement is far from perfect. Congress must pass a budget with long-term funding that gives our federal agencies the certainty they need.