Susan Collins: “before I begin my remarks on the continuing resolution to fund the government, I do have to take just a moment to note…”

“before I begin my remarks on the continuing resolution to fund the government, I do have to take just a moment to note that today is National Lobster Day, and that is extremely important to the State of Maine. Just last week, I treated the Members of my caucus to a wonderful lobster lunch, complete also with Maine potatoes and Maine wild blueberry pie. That should be an incentive for people to become Republicans, I would think, to get that annual lobster lunch. But it is an iconic industry in my State. If you ask people about the State of Maine, lobster always comes up. So I do want to acknowledge that Senator King and I have once again this year noted that September 25 is National Lobster Day, and we appreciate the support of our colleagues. Government Funding Now, Madam President, I rise to urge passage of the government funding measure that was approved by the House of Representatives earlier today. The bill, which is known as a continuing resolution, or a CR, is straightforward. Most important of all, it prevents a government shutdown. Government shutdowns are inherently a failure to govern effectively. They have negative consequences all across government. They require certain essential government employees, such as Border Patrol agents or members of our military or air traffic controllers, to report to work but with no certainty that they will be paid. We simply cannot allow that to occur.…”