WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement after voting in support of the End the Government Shutdown and Secure Our Borders Act, President Trump’s proposal to end the partial government shutdown and strengthen border security. The proposal, which includes Senator Capito’s bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, failed to advance by a vote of 50 to 47, not meeting the required 60-vote threshold.
“I was proud to vote in support of the president’s proposal—a commonsense compromise that would have reopened the government, put dedicated federal employees back to work, and strengthened our border security. The measure also included a wide range of other bipartisan legislation and priorities, most of which have already been approved by the full Senate. That’s why it’s so disappointing to see many of my colleagues flat out reject this compromise and instead support a plan that would simply pause the shutdown for a short period of time without addressing any of the real challenges we are facing.
“A shutdown is never the best way to govern, but neither is simply kicking the can down the road and ignoring the changing needs of our nation—especially when it comes to the safety and security of the American people. So I again urge my Democrat colleagues to come to the table in good faith and put forward a proposal that not only reopens the government but also includes resources to strengthen border security in a real and meaningful way. In the meantime, as chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue working with the president, administration officials, and congressional leaders to deliver a solution that’s in the best interest of West Virginians and all Americans.”
Senator Capito spoke on the Senate floor earlier today in support of the End the Government Shutdown and Secure Our Borders Act. To view a video of her remarks, click here or on the image below.
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