WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Saturday called on President Trump and Senate Republicans to support efforts to re-open the government as the government shutdown, now the longest in history, continues to leave 800,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay, at least 1,500 of whom work or reside in Connecticut.

“This was already the dumbest shutdown ever, but as of today it’s also the longest government shutdown ever. People in Connecticut are sick of this – and so am I,” said Murphy. “The only reason we are shut down is that President Trump wants it that way. Let’s be very clear about how we got here. Back in December, the White House endorsed a bipartisan deal that passed the Senate with unanimous support – and then Republicans changed their mind.”

“Open the government. Now,” added Murphy.

Earlier this week, Murphy called on Republicans to pass a continuing resolution similar to the bill that passed with unanimous support in December. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Murphy said, “We could bring up that same bill that reopens the government…we could all vote the same way that we did back in December, we could send that bill to the House of Representatives and admit that the president shouldn't dictate our votes, just because his position changed doesn't mean that the Senate Republicans' position should have changed.”

 

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