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Catherine Cortez Masto on Government Shutdown

Opposes government shutdowns (strong)

TL;DR

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto consistently votes against government shutdowns, viewing them as detrimental to federal workers and national services.

Key Points

  • She has consistently voted in favor of legislation aimed at preventing or ending a federal government shutdown.

  • Cortez Masto states that shutdowns negatively affect federal workers, including those at agencies like the VA and TSA, who may be furloughed or forced to work without pay.

  • In September 2025, she reportedly sided with Republicans on a shutdown-related vote for the second time that fiscal year, though her overall action is anti-shutdown.

Summary

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto consistently opposes government shutdowns, framing them as an unacceptable tactic that harms federal employees and critical national services, including those vital to Nevada. Her public statements and voting record reflect a firm stance against any measure that would cause a lapse in government funding. She emphasizes the direct negative impact on constituents and federal workers who are forced to go without pay or work without proper support during these funding gaps.

This opposition is evidenced by her votes to keep the government funded, even when this has sometimes required cooperation across the aisle on appropriations bills. She has expressed frustration with partisan brinkmanship that leads to these situations, arguing that funding the government should be a basic function, not a negotiation point for unrelated policy demands. Her focus remains on ensuring essential services continue to operate unimpeded for the benefit of the state she represents.

Key Quotes

“I have consistently voted against shutting down the government because I know the pain it is causing working families, from TSA agents to government contractors.

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans are already hurting Nevadans who are dealing with high costs, an economic slowdown, and a looming health care crisis. This administration doesn't care about Nevadans, but I do. That's why I cannot support a costly shutdown that would hurt Nevada families and hand even more power to this reckless administration,”

“We were never going to get a guarantee,”

Frequently Asked Questions

Catherine Cortez Masto's position is that government shutdowns are harmful and she consistently votes to keep the government open. She argues that these disruptions negatively affect federal employees and the essential services they provide to Nevada residents. Her stance is rooted in preventing the negative economic and operational consequences of funding lapses.

Yes, Senator Cortez Masto has voted to pass critical funding bills that were intended to open the government after a shutdown or avert one. She characterizes these votes as necessary steps to restore government operations and ensure federal employees receive their paychecks. These actions reflect her overall goal of maintaining government functionality.

The Senator has stated that government shutdowns are damaging because they impact federal workers who do not receive pay and disrupt necessary operations. She highlights that crucial services, including those related to veterans and national security, are negatively affected when funding ceases. Cortez Masto views funding the government as a basic responsibility, not a political bargaining chip.