FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — “It’s been up and down. It’s been exhausting. It’s been a lot of things,” Jerry O’Gorman said.
The government shutdown is now in its 43rd day, marking the longest in history and impacting hundreds of thousands of people, including federal workers and families who depend on food assistance programs like SNAP.
The loss of income and support services are consequences of the shutdown that are weighing heavily on Central Valley Congressmen.
“Real people getting hurt like a mom and her kid not being able to access food assistance,” said Congressman Adam Gray.
“I am optimistic now that we have gone through this 40-plus day shutdown and have seen the consequences that no one will ever want to do this again, and we can come together and govern,” said Congressman Vince Fong.
This week, a glimmer of hope after the Senate passed a bill that would fund the government until January 30th.
Now, the House finally reconvened after more than 50 days and votes being cast, it’s an evening many have been waiting for.
“Now we have a 43-day backlog of problems that are going to have to get worked through and will take a while, and again, so unnecessary,” said Congressman Tim McClintock.
Congressman Adam Gray says while he’s glad the government could reopen, there is still work to be done.
“We have two months to craft a bipartisan agreement. Democrats have come to the table to work in a bipartisan fashion with them to reopen the gov and fund these critical programs, and now it’s on them to come to the table on healthcare.”
“We want the compensation. Our families to be made whole so we can move on with our lives. We want to get back to the job we do every day,” he said.
Congressmen confirm it will take a few weeks to get back on track once the government shutdown ends.
