U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, addressed her colleagues on the Senate floor, advocating for the approval of a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. Her remarks emphasized the negative impact such a shutdown would have on various government operations and personnel.
Senator Collins stated, "Mr. President, I rise to urge passage of this funding measure to prevent an unnecessary, harmful, and costly government shutdown at midnight tonight." She highlighted that government shutdowns represent ineffective governance and negatively affect numerous sectors within the government.
Collins pointed out that essential workers like Border Patrol agents and TSA screeners would have to work without pay during a shutdown. "That's just unfair," she remarked.
The senator further elaborated on how national defense could be compromised with training exercises limited and new programs delayed. She expressed concern about law enforcement activities at borders being conducted without adequate support staff.
Additional impacts of a potential shutdown include disruptions in veterans' services, closures of national parks, increased travel delays due to stalled onboarding of TSA agents, and project delays for entities like the Army Corps of Engineers.
Senator Collins criticized past failures in completing necessary bills last year despite bipartisan efforts led by herself and Senator Murray. She noted that attempts to reach agreements with Democratic counterparts were unsuccessful despite multiple offers made in good faith.
Collins concluded by emphasizing the necessity of passing the continuing resolution: "Madam President, we can delay no longer. It is essential that the continuing resolution be adopted today in order to prevent a harmful government shutdown."
She urged her colleagues to collaborate on future budgets more effectively: "Let each and every one of us here commit to working together on the FY 2026 budget so we can enact appropriations bills prior to the start of the new fiscal year."
