Minnesota State Wire

Michelle Fischbach, a U.S. Representative, said that Democrats were responsible for shutting down the government and urged the Senate to pass a clean funding bill to reopen it. The statement was made on X.

"The federal government officially was shut down during the night by the Democrats," said Michelle Louise Fischbach. "House Republicans did our job. It is time for Democrats to drop their partisan politics and vote to pass the clean funding bill in the Senate to reopen the government. Democrats have officially shut down the federal government. They're putting illegal aliens FIRST and hurting hardworking Americans in the process."

As of October 2, 2025, the federal shutdown continued into its second week after the Senate failed once again to advance funding measures. According to live coverage, repeated unsuccessful votes have been recorded, with a dispute emerging over back pay for furloughed workers. The prolonged impasse has disrupted services and increased pressure to pass a stopgap bill, with party leaders trading blame over policy riders and health-care add-ons. This is the backdrop for Fischbach’s call for the Senate to act on a clean funding bill to restore normal operations.

A continuing resolution (CR) is described by the Congressional Research Service as a temporary funding law that typically extends prior-year spending and conditions to avoid a lapse in appropriations. CRs commonly provide funding at current rates, limit new starts, and often include minimal policy changes; a "clean" CR generally omits additional policy provisions. Such measures keep agencies operating while negotiations continue on full-year appropriations. Understanding these mechanics clarifies Fischbach’s emphasis on passing a clean bill through the Senate to end the shutdown and stabilize government services for families, farmers, seniors, and veterans.

The Government Accountability Office notes that operating under CRs constrains planning and delays new programs, but shutdowns are more disruptive—forcing furloughs, halting many activities, and creating backlogs. Separately, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the 2018–2019 partial shutdown reduced real GDP by $11 billion, with about $3 billion in output permanently lost after activity resumed. These data points underscore why lawmakers frequently pursue short-term funding to avoid broader economic harm while policy debates continue.

Fischbach represents Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District. A former Minnesota Senate president and lieutenant governor, she is a conservative leader focused on agriculture, rural broadband, protecting life, and constitutional liberties. Her official biography highlights more than two decades serving greater Minnesota and her current work on issues central to the district’s economy and families. Fischbach’s office provides updates on appropriations, constituent services, and legislative priorities for western Minnesota communities across the 7th District.