Rep. Andre Carson Urging Senate To Pass Bills Reopening Government

U.S. Rep. Andre Carson (D-Indianapolis) says he’ll support two bills being brought forward by House Democrats Thursday in attempt to reopen the government.

The partial government shutdown started Dec. 22. Carson says it costs the economy an estimated $1.5 billion a day.

The first bill Carson will support would reopen all government agencies except the Department of Homeland Security. But the second bill would fund operations for DHS, allowing employees to be paid, until Feb. 8.

"It is my hope the Senate passes this legislation and the President signs it into law," Carson said in an emailed statement. 

A spokesperson for Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) says in a statement that the Republican is hopeful an agreement will be reached soon to secure borders and fully fund government agencies.

Democrats are set to take control of the House Thursday. 

What other elected offials have said:

U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Carmel) submitted a letter requesting that her pay be witheld for the entiety of the shutdown. 

I submitted a letter this morning requesting my pay be withheld for the duration of the shutdown. My offices will remain accessible for constituents who need services during the shutdown. Learn what the partial shutdown means for you >> https://t.co/rXKYtxCxRc pic.twitter.com/RQmx9eNdka

— Susan W. Brooks (@SusanWBrooks) December 22, 2018

Read Brooks' full statement here.

Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Merrillville) released a statement on Dec. 21 as the shutdown loomed.

"This impending government shutdown has been caused by the failure of the President and a Congress controlled by his party to complete its basic work for the fiscal year that started 82 days ago.  Further, any Continuing Resolution (CR) through February 8, 2019, is just a protraction of uncertainty for vast portions of our government to operate for one-third of its year, and it is designed to be particularly disruptive as it is set to expire the week the budget for the next fiscal year is due to be presented to the next Congress.

I am absolutely opposed to this lack of governance.  I hope in the coming hours and days that we can begin to have more sensible discussions that prioritize solving problems to benefit our economy and the workers and families of our nation."

Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Newburgh) released this statement after House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Dec. 11. 

“When it comes to border security, time and again House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Democrats in Congress have placed their own political agenda ahead of the American people who want commonsense legislation that will secure our southern border. While there are many issues that Americans may have legitimate policy disagreements about, ensuring the American people are safe and our border security is robust should not be one of them."   

Tonight, I stood alongside my fellow Republicans in the House and voted to keep the government funded while also fulfilling President Trump’s request for funding to secure our southern border. pic.twitter.com/rZLzpbbBIs

— Larry Bucshon, MD (@RepLarryBucshon) December 21, 2018