Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven addressed the Senate floor regarding the ongoing government shutdown, emphasizing its effects and calling for legislative action to reopen federal operations. Hoeven noted that he supported a bill introduced by Senator Ron Johnson, which aimed to pay federal employees during the shutdown. However, the bill did not advance after being blocked by Senate Democrats.

Hoeven criticized his colleagues across the aisle for both the continuation of the shutdown and for preventing compensation for federal workers. He stated: “The Senate Democrats have not only shut down the federal government for more than a month, but are now blocking pay for federal employees, including our military, national guard, air traffic controllers, TSA agents and others, who have continued to keep our nation safe, and provide essential services to the American people during the shutdown. We need to reopen the government and get back to appropriating, and the best way to do that is to pass a clean, short-term continuing resolution.”

Hoeven’s remarks highlight concerns about how prolonged budget disputes can impact public services and those responsible for maintaining them.