House Majority Whip Tom Emmer says the best way Congress can honor America’s veterans is by ending the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“We are the land of the free because of the brave,” Emmer said in a statement to Alpha News. “That is why I have devoted so much of my time in Congress to making sure our veterans and their families receive the support they deserve.
“From improving veterans’ access to quality care to expediting the death certification process for grieving veteran families, we will always fight for those who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms.
“On this Veterans Day,” he continued, “we also acknowledge that the best way for Congress to honor our nation’s heroes is by reopening the government so they receive uninterrupted access to the services they’re entitled to.
“I’m grateful the Senate finally acted and hope every Democrat in the House is willing to put politics aside and stand with America’s veterans,” added the Republican lawmaker.
Shutdown enters final stages in Congress
The 42-day shutdown — now the longest in U.S. history — may soon come to an end. The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to return to Washington after weeks away to take up the U.S. Senate’s amended government funding legislation, according to Fox News.
The shutdown has led to thousands of flight cancellations or delays, left federal workers furloughed or working without pay, and impacted government services to veterans.
As Alpha News reported on Monday, Democratic U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith voted against advancing the bipartisan proposal to reopen the government. That measure passed 60-40 after a group of Democrats crossed the aisle to join Republicans.
Democrats wanted expiring Obamacare subsidies to be extended as part of a potential deal to reopen the government. However, Republicans said negotiations about the subsidies could take place when the government was reopened.
In the end, the bipartisan deal will fund the federal government through January, fully fund certain parts of government for an entire year, and ensure federal workers get back pay. A vote on extending the Obamacare subsidies will also be scheduled.
Klobuchar said she voted against the plan because it “does not prevent health insurance premiums from doubling for so many in our state,” while Smith said “Americans deserved a better deal than this one.”
The deal is opposed by every Democratic member of Congress from Minnesota as well as Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a candidate for U.S. Senate.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
