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Senator Bill Cassidy hopeful end of shutdown is near with bipartisan agreement building
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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history continues, there is new hope today.
The Senate has come to a bi-partisan agreement on an amended continuation resolution which could start the process of re-opening the government.
"I'm thankful to welcome you to what appears to be the beginning of the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history," said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
There is optimism on Capitol Hill as there is bipartisan agreement to sign onto a continuing resolution to fund the government. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy spoke about this and the ongoing effects of this government shutdown on Louisiana citizens.
He says it's time for the shutdown to end as the human toll continues to rise.
"Republicans are willing to negotiate and they said, 'No we don't want to negotiate, we're going to shut down,' 40 days later we have all those consequences," said Cassidy.
The consequences he speaks on are SNAP benefits not being fully funded, which affects 18% of the state population.
"300,000 children I’m being told in the state of Louisiana," said Cassidy.
It also affects people in the process of trying to buy flood insurance, as the National Flood Insurance Program has not been operational.
"That program was shut down because the government was shut down, you've had to shut down for 40 days something you've been pointed towards," said Cassidy.
He also talked about how throughout the shutdown federal workers have not been getting a paycheck.
"If you are in the military, border patrol, if you are taking care of prisoners at one of these facilities in Oakdale or an air traffic controller, you weren't getting paid," said Cassidy.
The amended CR will likely pass the senate but also has to go through the House of Representatives and be voted on there. Seven Democrats agreed to vote with Republicans to get the CR through the Senate, but not all Democrats agree. The CR does not extend Obamacare subsidies; a main item Democrats have advocated and fought for.
"I cannot support the Republican bill that's on the floor because it fails to do anything of substance to fix America’s healthcare crisis," said Senator Chuck Schumer.
Cassidy believes the government needs to open first, and then Republicans will negotiate. He says Republicans want to lower the cost of healthcare as well and that the Republican plan is to empower the patient, instead of the insurance companies.
"Give the power to the patient, not the money to the insurance company, if we do that, we can keep the cost of having health insurance lower and begin to lower healthcare costs not just for those on the Obamacare exchanges, but everybody," said Cassidy.
Cassidy is optimistic about the bill's chances in the house and is confident it will make it to the finish line.
"I'm optimistic they will pass it Wednesday, the president will sign it Wednesday, and the government will be open," said Cassidy.