WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after Senate Democrats voted against a bill to fund the federal government through December 9.

“We find ourselves on the brink of a government shutdown today because Harry Reid and Senate Democrats simply can’t take ‘yes’ for an answer. The Senate Appropriations Committee, under the leadership of Sen. Thad Cochran, got its work done in order, on time, and stayed within the statutory budget spending caps. In fact, 10 appropriations bills were passed out of committee unanimously.

“Despite their support for these bills in committee, Senate Democrats have blocked them from coming to the floor for consideration and effectively blown up the appropriations process. To keep the federal government open, Senate Republicans have offered a clean 10-week spending bill – free from contentious policy riders. Harry Reid, who previously agreed to this offer, now suggests it is not enough. His misguided reversal highlights his true intentions: brinksmanship for political purposes. His tactics are putting party strategy ahead of the country’s needs.

“I am hopeful that Senate Democrats will abandon Reid’s reckless obstruction and work with us in good faith to avoid a government shutdown on October 1.”