WASHINGTON, DC – Tonight, after Congressional Democrats provided the votes to pass a 47-day stopgap funding bill and prevent GOP extremists from shutting down the federal government, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“For weeks, Democrats have made it clear that we don’t want a shutdown.  The passage of a 47-day funding bill based on the overwhelming support of Democrats bears that out.

“Although it is good that the government won’t shut down, it is deeply disappointing that the MAGA Right has succeeded in stripping out much needed assistance for Ukraine.  Even Leader McConnell has said, “It’s certainly not the time to go wobbly” in our effort to support Ukraine.  I am hopeful he can convince the Speaker and his colleagues to allow a vote on this important funding.    

“It’s also time for the Speaker and the House GOP leaders to come to the table and negotiate full-year funding bills without the draconian cuts and poison pills that won’t pass in the either the House or the Senate.  Forty-seven days isn’t much time.  So it’s time to get to work.”