Susan Collins: “I rise tonight to urge my colleagues to support cloture on the motion to proceed to the FAA authorization bill. Now, let…”

“I rise tonight to urge my colleagues to support cloture on the motion to proceed to the FAA authorization bill. Now, let me explain what this is about. The vote to get on the shell legislation is simply a vote to move the process forward to prevent a disastrous government shutdown. It does not indicate support or opposition to any particular component of a continuing resolution. It does not bind Members to vote one way or the other on a continuing resolution. What this really is, is a vote on whether or not Members want government to shut down at the end of this week. It does indicate, in the strongest possible terms, that the Senate is committed to working to prevent a government shutdown. We still have time to consider legislation to keep the government open and funded, but in order to do so, the process must move forward. I would ask all Senators who wish to avoid a shutdown of government and all that that entails to vote yes on cloture. Again, let me stress that voting yes on cloture tonight is a vote against a government shutdown and for letting the process move forward. It is just the first step. It does not bind Members to support the continuing resolution and to support every provision in the continuing resolution. Now, what happens if we don't move forward tonight? We are increasing the chances that government will shut down. I have been through two government shutdowns, and I can tell you, they are never good policy.…”