COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – South Carolina Congressional officials released statements after the Senate failed to pass a bill to avert a government shutdown Tuesday night.
It’s now the first government shutdown in seven years.
Sen. Tim Scott
Scott’s statement primarily blamed Democrats, saying they were “playing politics” with government funding.
He also said that he remained “committed to advancing fiscally responsible, commonsense solutions” for South Carolinians.
“Republicans have stood resolute in voting to keep our government open and ensure essential services remain available for the American people. Democrats chose to shut down the federal government, putting American families and workers last. While Democrats play politics with government funding, I remain committed to advancing fiscally responsible, commonsense solutions that put South Carolinians and Americans first.”
Sen Lindsey Graham
Graham said that his offices in South Carolina and in D.C. are still open and that he would be donating his salary during the shutdown to Upstate Warrior Solution, a non-profit in South Carolina.
Rep. Nancy Mace
Mace said that Democrats shut down the government out of “fear” concerning some of Trump’s policies.
Rep. Joe Wilson
Wilson said that Democrats “are obsessed with free healthcare for illegal aliens” and that the shutdown is “counterproductive.”
He also said he would not accept his salary while the shutdown is ongoing.
Rep. Sheri Biggs
Biggs said that Democrats are holding the government “hostage” by voting down the Republicans’ bill.
Biggs also included a link for her constituents who might need help, which can be found here
Rep. William Timmons
Timmons also blamed the Democrats for the shutdown, saying the GOP’s bill was blocked because Democrats are demanding that $1.5 trillion go toward “propping up liberal news outlets and government benefits for illegal aliens,” among other things.
Rep. Ralph Norman
Norman said that Democrats “need a math lesson” after he said that they were spending more federal money and claiming to cut costs for taxpayers.
Norman has also introduced a bill to suspend members’ pay during the shutdown.
Rep. Jim Clyburn
Clyburn has not released a statement at this time.
Rep. Russell Fry
Fry said that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer “had caved” after Schumer previously said in March that having a clean spending bill “was the responsible thing to do.”
He also said that Democrats blocking the Republicans’ proposed bill was “shameful.”
The Senate met on Wednesday to continue negotiating a federal spending bill, but the vote failed.
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