Griffith Applauds End of Shutdown

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the end of the government shutdown today:

“Although this shutdown never should have happened in the first place, I am glad that the Senate has finally passed a measure to fund the government. This vote means that the government will reopen and our military will be paid. Importantly, it also means that the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will be funded for six years, taking care of thousands of Virginia children.

“It’s disappointing that some Democrats, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), still refuse to support reopening the government because their demands on protecting illegal immigrants have not been met. I believe this episode highlights the importance of changing the Senate rules so that a simple majority, not a 60-vote supermajority, is needed to make sure the government stays open.”