I had hoped the government shutdown would be resolved for the millions of Americans who rely on it to run smoothly, but the political tricks keep coming.

As Telegram readers know, the House passed a clean, bipartisan budget bill way back on September 19th, yet Senate Democrats have refused to act – voting a spooky thirteen times to keep the government closed.

Three Senate Democrats have joined efforts to reopen the government, but Senator Baldwin and others are clinging to a chilling wish list that includes free health care for illegal aliens, handouts to liberal media outlets, the elimination of common-sense work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients, and COVID subsidies for those earning up to $500,000.

That is ghoulish!

The Senate needs sixty votes to overcome the filibuster and pass the bill. Despite Democrats voting thirteen times for clean budgets under President Biden, they are now playing political games with the livelihoods of American families.

When asked this week what “poison pills” are supposedly in the budget bill, a Democrat colleague could not even answer the question. That is because this bill is a clean, single-subject bill with no tricks or ghosts hidden inside. Even the liberal Washington Post Editorial Board admitted that this week when they urged Democrats to end the shutdown.

I know this is a frightening time for Wisconsinites who count on government services to run smoothly. But in true Wisconsin spirit, local food pantries and restaurants across the state are stepping up to help. If you are in need of assistance or want to donate, you can find more information here, here, or here.

I will keep fighting to reopen the government, ensure our troops get paid, and get you the benefits you need. This shutdown impacts everyone from seniors to veterans to farmers, small businesses, and families. I do not believe you should “suffer” for “leverage” as one Democrat leader claimed.

Thank you for starting your weekend with us. We hope you have a safe and happy Halloween. Be sure to bundle up if you are trick-or-treating tonight.