At midnight on September 30, the federal government shut down. This shutdown was entirely avoidable, but Democrats chose to hold government funding hostage, and they rejected attempts by Republicans to pass a clean funding extension that would have kept the government open. And the American people are the ones left to suffer the consequences of Democrats’ hostage-taking.

Republicans are united around a clean, nonpartisan funding extension that keeps the government open for seven weeks so we can continue work on the regular appropriations process. A clean, nonpartisan extension has already passed the House, and President Trump is ready to sign it. All that stands in the way is Senate Democrats, who have rejected multiple attempts to pass this simple and straightforward bill.

Senate Democrats shut down the government because we would not give in to their demands for $1.5 trillion in partisan spending. They have demanded more money than the entire defense budget just to keep the government open for four short weeks. It’s not a credible proposal, it’s a far-left wish list. For Democrats, this isn’t about finding a way to fund the government; it’s about finding a way to show their far-left base that they’re fighting against President Trump.

Democrats may earn some praise from the far left, but I doubt the American people have many kind words. Federal employees – including members of the military, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers – are working without pay. A number of federal programs and services are interrupted or at risk. A government shutdown has serious consequences for the American people. But none of that seems to matter to Democrats.

This shutdown mess holds up important work Congress should be doing for the American people. We have important, bipartisan appropriations bills waiting to be considered. The annual defense authorization bill is also on hold. Democrats have not only halted or jeopardized government services; they’re standing in the way of key legislation.

Democrats have spent this entire year with one object in mind: opposing President Trump. But their temper tantrum over last year’s election results has to stop. The American people elected President Trump, they gave him a mandate to enact his agenda, and these antics only hold our country back. Republicans are ready to continue our work; the question is whether Democrats will work with us.