WASHINGTON — House Republicans acted responsibly last week to keep the government open with the clean short-term continuing resolution. Senate Democrats on the perils of government shutdowns in their own words:Senate Minority Leader Chuck SchumerSeptember 16, 2024: “If the government shuts down, it will be average Americans who suffer most. Our veterans could see regional VA offices shut down and support services put on halt. Some of our military service members could be forced to work without pay. Our democracy cannot function if the minority party threatens to shut down the government unless it gets its way.