Congressional delegation frustrated

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn., introduced a motion seeking a vote by the House to reopen the government. The measure failed, with Republicans ruling that it was not germane to the legislation being discussed that funds the Federal Aviation Administration.

"You know what? They're refusing to let us vote," Esty told Hearst Connecticut Newspapers later in the day. "We need to open the government fully. The uncertainty is very damaging to our fragile recovery."

Both Esty and Blumenthal took their messages to the floor of their respective chambers Wednesday, citing examples of the shutdown's impact on their constituents.