House Democrats have asked ten times, and Senate Democrats have asked six times to reopen the government. The Republican answer has been to say no to every request.
Here is the list of motions that Democrats have made to reopen the government from House Democratic Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer’s office:
1). Mr. Hoyer asked last night – Republicans said no.
2). Mr. Cicilline asked last night – Republicans said no.
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3). Mr. Hoyer asked again today – Republicans said no.
4). Mr. Pocan asked today – Republicans said no.
5). Ms. Jackson Lee asked today – Republicans said no.
6). Mr. Raskin asked today – Republicans said no.
7). Ms. Kuster asked today – Republicans said no.
8). Ms. Schakowsky asked today – Republicans said no.
9). Mr. Lieu asked today – Republicans said no.
10). Ms. Jayapal asked today – Republicans said no.
11). Senator McCaskill asked unanimous consent that the Senate take up H.R.1301 to provide for pay and death benefits for members of the Armed Services, and that the bill, as amended be passed. Republicans said no.
12). Senator Nelson asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to take up H.R.1301, a continuing resolution to fund the government through Saturday, January 20. Republicans said no.
13). Senator Tester asked unanimous consent that that the Senate take up H.R.1301, a continuing resolution to fund the government through Monday, January 22. Republicans said no.
14). Senator Stabenow asked unanimous consent that the Senate adopt a Stabenow-Casey-Brown proposal to provide for permanent CHIP funding, a five year extension of the Community Health Centers Program, and extensions of other expired Medicaid, Medicare, and health extenders. Republicans said no.
15). Senator Cardin asked unanimous consent that the Senate adopt a bill to provide for compensation of Federal employees affected by lapses in appropriations. Republicans said no.
16). Senator Tim Kaine asked unanimous consent that the Senate adopt a bill to end the Trump shutdown with a three-day continuing resolution to fund the government through Tuesday, January 23. Republicans said no.
Republicans could end the government shutdown anytime they wanted, and they are choosing not to do so. The attempt by Trump and his party to blame Democrats ran out of steam almost as soon as it started. Outside of the Fox News/conservative media bubble/Trump Twitter account Axis of Misinformation, no one is buying that Democrats are responsible for shutting down a government that Republicans control.
Democrats are trying to get the government open, and the reality is that Republicans are refusing to open it.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
