Republicans in Congress need to keep the government open

Fairness for Iowa, a coalition of grassroots organizations, is calling on Republicans in Congress to stop threatening to shut down the government after they killed a bipartisan Continuing Resolution (CR) that would have provided billions in critical disaster funding and delivered relief for Iowa's farmers. Opponents of the CR are refusing to fund the government unless the funding bill includes raising the debt ceiling— so that Republicans can more easily give tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy next year. 

Congress has until midnight on Friday night to pass funding legislation or the government will shut down—triggering ripple effects for many Iowans, including military families and those who rely on nutrition assistance programs, ahead of the Christmas holidays. 

“Republicans in Congress could have done right by their constituents, but instead they have trashed a bipartisan government funding deal at the eleventh hour and put the country at risk of a shutdown,” Executive Director of Progress Iowa, Matt Sinovic said. “This avoidable Republican disaster throws constituents' lives into chaos. It’s a shameful move ahead of the holidays, all to raise the debt ceiling to help give the richest Americans and wealthy corporations more tax breaks. Congressman Zach Nunn needs to stand up for his constituents and ensure the government is funded.”