WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the 40th day of the federal government shutdown, a bipartisan deal to reopen the government is finally within reach. Last night, the Senate voted 60–40 to advance a clean continuing resolution to reopen and fund the government through January 30 and beyond, offering long-awaited relief to millions of Americans.

Throughout the shutdown, Independent Women has amplified the voices of the parents, veterans, workers, and taxpayers suffering from Washington’s political stalemate through its “Gridlock Hurts Real People: Tell Senate Democrats to End the Shutdown” comment drive, launched on October 9. Over 1500 stories from Americans across all 50 states have been submitted to Independent Women’s comment drive, exposing the devastating fallout from the government shutdown.

Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, said: 

“After 40 days, the shutdown pain is finally close to an end. We applaud the small group of sensible Democrats who broke ranks and joined Republicans in reopening the government, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Bipartisanship is restoring food aid for 42 million Americans and sending hundreds of thousands of federal workers back to work. The hardship of Americans should never again be used as ‘leverage’ for partisan ends. We encourage all members to pass the final bill.”

Meaghan Mobbs, director of Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security, said: 

“After weeks of uncertainty, we are finally close to ensuring our veterans and service members are no longer caught in the crossfire of political brinkmanship. We commend the small group of Democratic members who chose to put the country over caucus and join with Republicans to open the government. Bipartisan cooperation is what keeps VA clinics open, benefits processing on track, and military families supported. It ensures service members who swear to protect and defend our homeland are not left wondering if their loved ones will be cared for. The well-being of those who wear the uniform, and those who once did, should never be used as pawns in political games. We urge all members to finish the job and honor the service of those who keep this country safe by ensuring their government is worthy of them.”

Gabriella Hoffman, director of Independent Women’s Center for Energy and Conservation, said: 

“Independent Women’s Center for Energy and Conservation applauds sensible Senate Democrats for joining Republicans to end the government shutdown. With this bipartisan spirit in mind, it’s our hope the chamber also comes together on permitting reform and forest management currently sitting on the docket. The U.S. urgently needs new energy and mining projects reviewed and approved to meet rising electricity demand, grow our economy, protect our national security interests, and safeguard the environment. With this in mind, we urge all members to set aside differences and pass the final bill. Continued delays will hinder our energy abundance goals.”

Julie Gunlock, director of Independent Women’s Network, said:

“This shutdown was completely unnecessary and a painful reminder that disorder in Washington impacts every American. Independent Women’s Network members worked tirelessly to send a powerful message to Senate Democrats who delayed an agreement for political gain and allowed the suffering of the American public to go on. We demand Senate Democrats do the right thing and pass the final bill.”

See more of Independent Women’s work to highlight the devastating fallout from the government shutdown below:

Click here to view the comment drive.

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