North Charlotte Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an urgent plea to his colleagues, Senator Thom Tillis emphasized the need to prevent a government shutdown by passing a bill with bipartisan support in both chambers. Speaking out against the bill put forward by Leader Schumer, Senator Tillis highlighted the absence of Republican priorities, particularly border security funding, in the proposed legislation.

"We must avert a shutdown. That means a bill to fund the government needs to pass in both chambers with bipartisan support. The bill put forward by Leader Schumer contains several priorities requested by Democrats but zero priorities requested by Republicans: border security funding being first and foremost to address the crisis at our Southern border that President Biden created," said Senator Tillis.

Expressing concern over the Senate's current agenda, Senator Tillis questioned the logic behind wasting time on a spending bill that is destined to fail in the House. He warned that such a course of action would inevitably lead to a shutdown.

"It makes absolutely no sense for the Senate to waste the rest of this week voting on a spending bill that is dead on arrival in the House. In fact, it guarantees a shutdown. I will only vote for a bill viable in both chambers that will prevent a shutdown, which is why I would vote against the Schumer bill in its current form," added Senator Tillis.

Highlighting his commitment to finding a viable solution, Senator Tillis clarified that his vote against the Schumer bill in its current form is rooted in the need for a bill that can successfully pass through both chambers and prevent a government shutdown.

Senator Tillis' statement comes amidst ongoing discussions and negotiations to reach a consensus on a funding bill that addresses the concerns and priorities of both parties. The urgency to find a resolution stems from the looming threat of a government shutdown if an agreement is not reached in time.

NOTE: Last night, Senator Tillis voted on a procedural motion that serves as a "shell" or an empty bill that simply allows the Senate to consider a bill to fund the government in time to avert a shutdown. It was not a vote to advance any specific bill, including the Schumer C.R.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tillis.senate.gov/.