Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) addressed the Senate on October 15, 2025, calling on Democratic senators to support a clean funding resolution to reopen the federal government, which has been shut down for 15 days. Fischer criticized Democrats for opposing what she described as a straightforward, short-term bill that would maintain current funding levels and allow Congress more time to finalize full-year appropriations.

“It’s been 15 days since congressional Democrats shut down the federal government. Let’s call it what it is: a Schumer Shutdown,” Fischer said in her remarks. She noted that the Senate had voted eight times on a clean continuing resolution, but Democrats continued to push for increased spending and the elimination of the $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund.

“Why in the world would Democrats want to eliminate this crucial fund for our nation’s rural hospitals? It’s unthinkable,” Fischer stated. She also criticized the Democratic proposal to reopen the government, arguing it included unrelated provisions such as COVID-era bonus payments, funding for overseas climate projects, and taxpayer-funded health care for non-citizens.

Fischer pointed out that House Republicans had passed a clean continuing resolution (CR) and sent it to the Senate, but Democrats rejected it multiple times. She referenced a report from Punchbowl News quoting Senator Chuck Schumer saying, “every day gets better for us,” suggesting that Democrats were prioritizing political advantage over resolving the shutdown.

“If the Democrats think it’s better that our troops aren’t paid and that it’s better when people are worried about being furloughed, then that just shows their arrogance. That just shows they are tone deaf to the uncertainty and stress people are feeling. That just shows Chuck Schumer is in his Schumer Shutdown only for political theater,” Fischer said.

She emphasized the negative impact of the shutdown on various groups, including farmers losing federal support, stalled construction projects dependent on federal funds, and federal employees facing uncertainty about their paychecks. Fischer warned that continued delay could result in deeper cuts to essential services.

“Let’s be clear: A short-term funding bill is not the place for sweeping policy changes. If this continues, deeper cuts to essential services may follow — and that’s entirely preventable,” she said.

Fischer explained that the House's clean CR would extend current funding until November 21st, after which Congress could address full-year appropriations bills that have bipartisan support. She expressed her commitment to a transparent appropriations process in her role on the Appropriations Committee.

“As a member of that committee, I am deeply committed to a transparent process. One where senators debate, amend, and vote on each bill individually – before the end of the fiscal year. All we’re asking is to reopen the government so we can continue this funding process. Leader Thune promised we would take the bills up – we have already passed three of them. Let’s show the American people bipartisanship and transparency and continue this important work,” Fischer said.

She concluded by urging Senate Democrats to join Republicans in voting to reopen the government: “If just a handful of Senate Democrats join Republicans, we can end this shutdown. I hope when we next vote to reopen the government, my Democratic colleagues with join us in doing the right thing.”