Sen. Mike Lee on possible government shutdown: ‘It’s avoidable’

SALT LAKE CITY— Utah Sen. Mike Lee is speaking out on the possible U.S. government shutdown, which will happen if lawmakers can’t reach a deal by October 1.

Lee spoke with Fox News on Sunday about the possible shutdown. He said it’s something that’s “avoidable.”

“I think a government shutdown is possible. I think it’s avoidable, I think we should avoid it,” Lee said. “I think the best way to proceed at this point is to pass something that keeps the government funded for a few weeks.”

Lee said at the time of the interview, the U.S. House of Representatives had four appropriation bills in the works, which is the same path he expressed support for in funding all areas of the government.

“Fund one part of government after the other, one at a time until it’s all done,” Lee said.

However, Lee said that could take a few weeks, case in point why he expressed support of passing something that keeps the government running for the time being.

Impeachment Inquiry

Senator Lee was also asked about the impeachment inquiry introduced by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

“I am aware of no reason…why that inquiry could not continue even if the government were to shut down temporarily,” Lee said. “There’s nothing suggesting to me that Congress can’t do it’s work if that happens.”

The Associated Press reported House Republicans investigated the Biden family for nine months since claiming the majority of House seats. McCarthy has since accused the president of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption.

Lee called the allegations “serious” and said they should be investigated, whether the government shuts down or not.

A White House spokesperson told the AP the allegations were, “extreme politics at its worst.”

Related:

• If government shuts down, Rep. John Curtis says Congress members shouldn’t get paid
• Utah national parks will stay open if there’s a government shutdown