Washington lawmakers say compromise needed to keep government open

Following the announced end of the partial government shutdown on Friday, Southwest Washington’s congressional leadership all agreed on one thing: they were happy federal workers who were furloughed will see paychecks once again.

“For all of the federal workers who have forgone their paychecks, travelers at risk of missing flights, taxpayers in dire need of IRS assistance, residents depending on federal housing assistance to avoid eviction, and countless others, I’m relieved that a temporary deal to end this shutdown is in sight,” Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, said in a statement.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said she thanks federal workers and their families for their sacrifices.

“We can breathe a sigh of relief today, and then we need to get to work to clean up the mess that President Trump created for absolutely no reason and do everything we can to make sure this doesn’t happen again in a few short weeks,” Murray said in a statement.

Murray and Herrera Beutler also stressed the need for compromise — although their focus differed.

“Today’s announcement by the president offers a promising glimpse of compromise by both parties, and I hope we can build on it to reach an agreement that includes meaningful border security, immigration reforms and long-term, stable funding of vital government services,” Herrera Beutler said.

Murray referenced the damage suffered by Washington residents and workers.

“The level of chaos and dysfunction the American people were forced to deal with over the past month was truly appalling and has absolutely no place in the United States of America,” she said. “I am hoping that President Trump and his Republican allies have learned a lesson from this and will choose to work with Democrats in good faith instead of playing more political games or trying to govern by tantrum.”