CT senators vote against ending government shutdown

<p>Connecticut's two United States senators voted Monday afternoon against ending the filibuster that has essentially shut down the federal government.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jan 22, 2018, 8:42 PM

Updated 2,377 days ago

Share:

CT senators vote against ending government shutdown
Connecticut's two United States senators voted Monday afternoon against ending the filibuster that has essentially shut down the federal government.
Other U.S. senators did vote overwhelmingly to end the filibuster, but Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal broke ranks with most Democrats.
Murphy said he wants the government to reopen but thinks Monday's deal is "bad for Connecticut."
Because of the shutdown, nearly a million federal workers stayed home on Monday. But the new deal is only temporary, extending funding through Feb. 8. That gives Congress enough time to vote a vote on DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program that helps and offers protections for undocumented brought to the U.S. as children.
"I take Sen. McConnell at his word that there's going to be an open debate on immigration, hopefully the result of which is a bill to protect these 'Dreamers' in a few weeks," Murphy said.
In spite of that, Sen. Murphy said he voted "no" because the deal "kicks the can down the road." He said he wanted a permanent solution, but the White House tempered hopes for an immediate DACA deal.
"We will make a long-term deal on immigration if, and only if, it's good for our country," said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders.
If Congress does return to an impasse, Sikorsky Helicopters in Stratford said military project could be slowed and workers affected; money for local Head Start centers could be delayed, which is why Murphy said he was willing to wait for a permanent deal.
"What Sen. Blumenthal and I are saying is that we are not going to enable continuing resolution after continuing resolution," Murphy said. "We need a budget written."


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park