Government shutdown averted; MN congressional delegation votes in support of continuing resolution

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – A government shut down was averted on Saturday when members of the House and Senate voted with overwhelming bipartisan majorities on a continuing resolution to keep the government open for the next 45 days.

In the House, the resolution passed on a 335-91 vote with all eight members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation voting to keep the government open.

Following the vote, Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., who represents Minnesota’s 8th District posted a statement to social media stating it was “not right for our troops and border agents to not get paid while congress works out its problems.”

Stauber also stated, quote: “What the House and Senate passed today was the best remaining option. I supported this bill so the government will remain open … while providing congress with more time to finish our work and pass fiscally responsible government funding bills.”

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., Republican Majority Whip in the House and, according to the Washington Post, a contender to replace Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a potential no confidence vote, echoed Stauber’s comments on social media. He also said he has “no interest” in becoming Speaker of the House.

In a news release, Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., stated GOP lawmakers were working tirelessly to try and control, out-of-control government spending, but it would have been irresponsible to shut down the government.

Fischbach stated: “I support the work done by House Republicans to keep the government functioning, and I look forward to continuing our hard work in the appropriations process to get this country’s fiscal house in order.”

The continuing resolution omitted funding for the War in Ukraine that Democrats wanted included in the final text, but they ended up still supporting the bill in overwhelming numbers.

The vote passed the Senate on an 88-9 vote with Minnesota Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar supporting the continuing resolution.

Government funding will expire on Nov. 17 unless additional government funding bills are passed.