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.
