On September 19, 2025, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) voted in favor of a House funding bill intended to keep the federal government operating at previous spending levels through November 21, 2025. The Senate did not approve this extension after fourteen attempts, leading to what became the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown resulted in missed paychecks for federal employees, furloughs, travel disruptions, and widespread uncertainty.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers ultimately broke the deadlock by passing legislation that funds the government through January 30, 2026. This package also secured appropriations for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and the Legislative Branch until September 30, 2026. The House approved this measure last night with Rep. Crane again voting to end the shutdown.
Rep. Crane maintained his position throughout the standoff by urging Congress to reopen the government. According to his office, all Democratic representatives from Arizona opposed the funding measure during negotiations.
During this period in Washington, Rep. Crane focused on issues affecting rural Arizona and took steps such as requesting that his own salary be withheld during the shutdown. He also cosponsored a constitutional amendment aimed at stopping congressional pay and back pay during future government closures.
In a statement following passage of the funding bill, Rep. Crane said: “Last night, I once again voted to fund the federal government. The American people should never be used as leverage to advance a political agenda,” adding “To those who dealt with missed paychecks, worked without pay, and lived with great uncertainty, your determination and resolve are admirable. To the amazing people of rural Arizona who stood by one another during this challenge, I’m grateful for your strength and dedication to each other.”
Eli Crane has represented Arizona’s 2nd district in Congress since replacing Tom O’Halleran in 2023 (https://crane.house.gov/about). Born in Tucson in 1980 and currently residing in Oro Valley at age 43, he continues to serve constituents across rural parts of Arizona.
