Congressman Mackenzie Addresses Passage of Senate Package to End Shutdown

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, released a statement regarding the passage of legislation in the Senate to reopen the government. Congressman Mackenzie joined a bipartisan majority in the US House in September in passing a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution. That resolution was blocked 14 times by a Democratic minority in the Senate. 

“At a time of division, it’s essential that both parties embrace bipartisan compromise whenever possible,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “This is what occurred when the government was funded in March, and this is what should have happened in this case. That’s why I continue to support a bipartisan government funding bill like the one we passed in the House over a month ago. Until today, this kind of commonsense bipartisanship has been prevented by some Senate Democrats who have chosen to prioritize politics and obstruction. These political games have had devastating results for government employees and essential programs, and I’m thankful that funding may soon be restored. I call on all members of the U.S. House, including the Democrats who have supported the shutdown, to help pass a bipartisan government funding bill.”

The Senate deal will fund the government through January 30th and will include a Senate vote in the coming weeks on the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits. Congressman Mackenzie has called for action to address the expiration of these credits. 

“It has been almost two months since I joined my colleagues in the House to pass a clean, bipartisan government funding bill,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “I look forward to once again passing a funding bill so that we can reopen the government, pay federal workers, and address the expiration of health insurance tax credits.”

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