On the night of September 30, the U.S. Senate finally passed a bill designed to avert a government shutdown. After much deliberation and suspense, the bill passed with a wide bipartisan margin, 99-1. As the final vote was registered, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) emerged from the chamber to address the gathered crowd.
His face was beaming with relief and happiness as he spoke. He began his speech with a message to the American people: “Good night and God bless America.” Chuck Schumer expressed his sincere gratitude for all of the hard work from both sides of congress to prevent the looming shutdown.
He explained that after many weeks of give-and-take and negotiations, the two sides had finally been able to come together to find a solution. Schumer was adamant that a bipartisan approach was necessary to come up with an effective and lasting solution.
He praised Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for his commitment to reaching a deal. In his speech, Schumer noted how essential it was to the welfare of all Americans to prevent a shutdown. He went on to acknowledge the Democrats and Republicans who had worked together diligently throughout the process, as well as the countless government workers who will now be able to keep their jobs and benefits.
Schumer came to a close with an important reminder: “In the end, what we must always remember is that when both Republicans and Democrats can put aside their differences and come together, amazing things can happen.”
The decisive vote on the budget bill taken the same night serves as a strong reminder that bipartisan collaboration can lead to positive outcomes. Senator Chuck Schumer’s passionate and inspiring words will undoubtedly remain with the American people as they carry on with their lives.