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Rep. Lowey Introduces Bills To End Shutdown

U.S. Capitol
Abir Anwar

House Democrats have released four individual bills intended to end the partial government shutdown.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowey of New York’s 17th District announced Sunday four bills that would immediately reopen key parts of the federal government.

In a statement, Lowey said, While Senate Republicans acting at the behest of President Trump have blocked our bipartisan, comprehensive plan to end the government shutdown, it is urgent that we take steps to reopen parts of the government that most directly affect working families.”

The bills are “virtually identical” to  four spending bills passed by the Senate in August. Language was included in bills approved by House Democrats and a handful of Republicans last week but the new bills add language to ensure furloughed federal workers receive pay.

The bills do not include funding demanded by President Donald Trump for a border wall.

Last week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the Democrats' plan "political theater."

Information on each of the bills can be found below:

https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20190107/BILLS-116hrPIH-fsggApprops.pdf

https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20190107/BILLS-116hrPIH-agApprops.pdf

https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20190107/BILLS-116hrPIH-interiorApprops.pdf

https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20190107/BILLS-116hrPIH-thudApprops.pdf

Lucas Willard is a news reporter and host at WAMC Northeast Public Radio, which he joined in 2011. He produces and hosts The Best of Our Knowledge and WAMC Listening Party.