Waukesha Times

Wisconsin Rep. Scott Fitzgerald explains why he didn't support the Continuing Resolution that passed last weekend to avoid a government shutdown. Fitzgerald stated that he voted for a different CR, which did not pass, and included more provisions for border security.

"Unfortunately, that CR failed with not a single Democrat voting in support of the resolution and a solution to address the crisis," Fitzgerald said. "Today, the House was pushed into a corner and was forced to put forth a CR with no additional resources to secure our border—a proposal I simply could not support." He added, "I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the weeks ahead to pass the remaining appropriations bills and restore complete regular order to our southern border."

House Republicans and Democrats reached an agreement on a short-term funding bill, commonly referred to as a continuing resolution, or CR, to prevent a government shutdown. The Senate subsequently voted to pass the continuing resolution with just three hours remaining before a potential shutdown, ensuring the government remains open for the next 45 days.

The 71-page short-term bill, orchestrated by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, does not incorporate new financial assistance for Ukraine, according to CNBC. Recent disagreements have revolved around spending levels, border security, and the allocation of additional aid to Ukraine.

The majority of House Republicans supported the continuing resolution. However, both Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany and Fitzgerald voted against it due to the lack of provisions for border security.

"I was willing to vote for a continuing resolution but we had to get something for it that would help the American people and to me that was to secure the border," said Tiffany, according to Spectrum News. "To me, that's the number one issue that's going on at this point."

Tensions persist surrounding the ongoing border crisis, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Biden Administration's border control strategies. In September, illegal migrant crossings surged, with a notable 60% increase compared to July figures. If this trend continues throughout this month, it is projected that migrant apprehensions may reach 210,000, reaching the highest level since spring 2022, according to CBS News.