Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, called on the Senate to reconsider and pass H.R. 5371, the “Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act.”

“One of the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress is to provide funding for the operations of our Federal government—they have got to pay the bills,” Yoes said. “Political divisions and Congressional dysfunction seem to be a growing problem no matter which party controls Congress and the White House.”

The legislation, which passed the House last week, requires 60 votes to pass the Senate. It was rejected by the Senate on a 44-48 vote, with eight Senators missing the vote.

“The bill is a ‘clean’ continuing resolution that will prevent the partial government shutdown that is swiftly approaching,” said Yoes. “The Senate’s rejection will cause major disruptions for programs that fund public safety efforts in our communities. Government officials throughout the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security won’t be able to man their posts and provide support for operations in the field. This should be unacceptable to all Americans.

“On behalf of the FOP’s 382,000 members, I urge the Senate to reconvene, reconsider, and enact the continuing resolution,” Yoes said. “Congress has an obligation to the American people to fulfill one of its core responsibilities—keeping the government open and continuing the services it provides to our citizens.”