SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) has issued a statement following his vote to advance legislation aimed at reopening and funding the federal government. This marks the 15th time since late September that Sullivan has supported such measures. According to Sullivan, Senate Democrats had previously blocked the Senate from reaching the 60 votes required to move forward with this legislation until tonight’s vote, which he described as the first step toward ending a 40-day government shutdown.

Sullivan attributed responsibility for the shutdown to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “I just got off the floor of the Senate voting for the 15th time to reopen our government. This has been the most senseless, unnecessary shutdown I've ever seen, instigated by Senator Schumer,” said Sen. Sullivan.

He noted that many people have been affected by the shutdown, including recipients of SNAP benefits and essential workers who have continued working without pay. “Way too many people have been hurt—SNAP beneficiaries, people who are required to work to protect us but aren't getting a paycheck. Think about it. It's everybody from Capitol police to air traffic controllers, TSA,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Sullivan expressed optimism after tonight’s developments in the Senate. “But here's the good news: I think we finally have a breakthrough tonight where it looks like we're having the first steps to reopen our government. I've been in discussions with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats across the aisle, for weeks on getting something moving like this. It's an important night, a good step forward. I hope we can keep the momentum tomorrow morning when we're back in session here in the Senate.”