Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Armed Services Committee, appeared on FOX Business’s "Mornings with Maria" to discuss recent developments regarding the government shutdown, appropriations bills in the Senate, and sanctions against Russia.

Addressing the ongoing government shutdown, Fischer criticized Democrats for voting against a continuing resolution (CR) sent by the House. “We shouldn't even be in a shutdown. The Democrats had the opportunity to vote on a clean CR that was sent to us by the House. There were no policy riders on it. There were no poison pills. They have voted on it before, I think, like 13 times, but this time they decided no," Fischer said.

She continued: “No, they were not going to fund the military. No, they were not going to take care of our air traffic controllers. No, they were not going to provide benefits to farmers, to people who are in need getting their proper nutrition for themselves and their families.

“That was their decision. They need to stop it. They need to grow up. Quit throwing a fit, open the government, and let's get to work.”

Fischer also discussed progress within the Senate Appropriations Committee: “On [the] Appropriations Committee in the Senate, we have passed out eight bills. Leader Thune promised he'd put them on the floor. He has done that. We have passed three and hopefully we're going to do some more.”

Expressing frustration over bipartisan efforts stalling on defense funding measures, Fischer stated: “What I was really frustrated at. What I was really angry at, to be honest with you, is that we passed out these appropriations bills in a bipartisan process with lots of support. So, we put the defense appropriations on the floor. It didn't pass. We only had a couple Democrats join us on it. Why wouldn't they vote for it? That's a question that they need to be asked.

“Because everybody's patting themselves on the back that in the Senate, we passed the National Defense Authorization Act. We did that the week before. ‘Oh, this is great. Look what we're giving our troops. What we're doing to defend this country.’

“But when it came down to it, Republicans voted to fund all of those things. To fund paying our troops, to fund being able to provide them with the resources they need. And we only had a couple Democrats join us, I thank them for joining us. We should have had everybody.”

On U.S.-Russia relations and recent sanctions activity following Russian aircraft entering Lithuanian airspace last week according to Fischer’s remarks during her interview—she said: “Russia is just after power. You know, I think it was a week ago they flew into the airspace of Lithuania. I support the President's sanctions. I support the bill by Senator Graham and Blumenthal. But…again, if we're able to get together and support sanctions on Russia—to hold them accountable, to make it harder for them. Why can't we get together and open up the government?”

The full interview is available through FOX Business.