Congressman Rick Allen Votes to Reopen the Federal Government

Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. This legislation includes a continuing resolution (CR) that would extend current funding levels through January 30, 2026, along with three Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills covering the Departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, as well as legislative operations. After voting in support of the bill, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

"It is clear that this shutdown was about nothing more than politics. Democrats could have cut this deal over 40 days ago. Instead, they repeatedly voted to hold the government hostage—using families, service members, federal workers, and veterans as political 'leverage' in the longest government shutdown in American history.  

"After six weeks of obstruction, I am pleased that a handful of Senate Democrats finally came to their senses and listened to millions of hardworking Americans. Yet, the Chuck Schumer-created political charade dragged on for far too long with the support of Georgia's two Senators and nearly every House Democrat—causing untold pain and lasting consequences. President Trump will soon sign the bill to officially turn the page on this national nightmare and reopen the federal government."

BACKGROUND: On September 19, 2025, with Congressman Allen's support, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan, seven-week funding extension to keep the federal government open. Senate Democrats, including Georgia Senators Ossoff and Warnock, blocked this commonsense CR for over 40 days, voting repeatedly to keep the federal government shut down. On Monday evening, the Senate passed an amended House CR by a vote of 60-40, clearing the way for the House to reconsider the bill and send it to President Trump's desk for signature.

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