Wiley Nickel: “It is Monday morning, and the Federal Government is open for business. We came just hours away from a shutdown this…”

“It is Monday morning, and the Federal Government is open for business. We came just hours away from a shutdown this weekend, with 209 House Democrats and 125 House Republicans voting to put people over politics. A government shutdown would have been a disaster for the American people, and I am glad Democrats and reasonable Republicans were able to come together to get a short-term funding package through the House, the Senate, and onto the President's desk with just hours to spare. This short-term funding package includes an extension of FAA authorization, funding for flood insurance programs, and $16 billion for disaster relief. Most importantly, it will keep the lights on for the over 6,500 Federal employees in North Carolina's 13th District. Looking ahead, this short-term funding package gives us more time to come together, find common ground, and pass bipartisan spending bills for the full year. For Democrats, that means funding for Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine cannot waver. I wish we didn't have to spend any money in Ukraine, but if Vladimir Putin wins, we will have to spend a thousand times more trying to contain an aggressive and emboldened Russia around the globe. If we abandon Ukraine, Russia will win. Putin will win. Support for Ukraine is in our national interest, Mr. Speaker. For Republicans, that means securing the border and taking up immigration reform.…”