U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin reacts after Congress votes to end shutdown

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-District 9) was one of 222 U.S. Representatives who voted to end the federal government shutdown on Wednesday night. 

The passage of the Senate’s Continuing Resolution reopened the government after the historic 43-day shutdown that began on October 1. 

Rep. Houchin released a statement moments after Congress passed the measure:

“Tonight, thanks to Republicans in Congress, the Continuing Resolution to fund the government through January 30 is headed to President Trump’s desk. This agreement also includes three, year-long appropriations bills that fully fund Agriculture, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch.

For 42 days, Democrats held the American people hostage over a $1.5 trillion liberal wish list, inflicting pain on millions for nothing more than political theater. Federal workers, law enforcement officers, and air traffic controllers went without pay. Families who rely on WIC and SNAP saw reduced or delayed assistance.

This agreement will finally bring relief to millions of Americans. Republicans in the House voted to fund the government on September 19. Democrats voted to shut it down and voted 14 times after that to keep it closed. To be clear: it was only one political party that inflicted harm across our country. The American people know the Democrats used them as leverage in a failed attempt to keep lining the pockets of insurance companies.

I came to Washington to fight for Indiana, not to play politics. I’m proud of my Republican colleagues and I appreciate the handful of Democrats who supported ending this madness. It’s time to reopen the federal government and get America back to work.”