Iowans are calling for Congress to come to an agreement.
Central Iowans vented their frustration Saturday after Congress missed its deadline to agree on a stopgap bill to keep the government open for a few weeks while leaders work on a more permanent funding plan.
“It should be a high point of concern just how far we have fallen here,” said state Sen. Nate Boulton, a Democrat running for governor.
Cindy Axne, who is a Democratic candidate for Congress, said, “To see this happening out in Washington means that our government is not working for us and they should be doing better.”
A main concern was for the future of DACA and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
“These are really important issues, and we need to stop playing politics with them and do what people need,” said Dr. Andy McGuire, a Democratic candidate for governor.
Democrats weren’t the only ones disappointed by the outcome.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican, sent multiple tweets saying how the shutdown was wrong and that it hurts soldiers, veterans and children.
Sen. Joni Ernst, also a Republican, joined the conversation saying in a news release, “I’ve made clear that I don’t like funding our federal government from one-sighted, Band-Aid bill to another. We must establish plans to responsibly fund our government long-term.”
And political leaders aren’t the only ones wanting this shutdown resolved.
“We should be able to get along,” said Marsha Morgan, of Polk City. “We should be able to decide something.”
“Not really surprised, kind of disappointed,” said Luke Stadtler, of Des Moines.
“Frustration, that it can be so gridlocked and in an issue that seems relatively straight forward,” said Karl Khandalavala, of Omaha, Nebraska.
The last government shutdown was in October 2013, and it lasted for 16 days.
