03.17.14

Chairwoman Mikulski Responds to House Passed Continuing Resolution

For Immediate Release           September 20, 2013

Contact: Rob Blumenthal (202) 224-1010 / Eve Goldsher (202) 224-3751

Chairwoman Mikulski Responds to House Passed Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON – In response to House passage of H.J. Res. 59, a short-term Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through December 15, Chairwoman Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) issued the following statement:

“Today’s action by the House is a defeat for our economy, for jobs, and for our national security.

“It is the job of the United States Congress to maintain continuity of essential government services. A short-term Continuing Resolution should accomplish that goal so we can get to a long term solution.

“The House put political ideology ahead of country. Burdening a Continuing Resolution with politically motivated riders that defund Obamacare or direct the government to pay certain debts but not others is irresponsible policy that has severe consequences. The House bill puts political dysfunction ahead of good governance. The debt limit rider threatens the reputation and solvency of the United States of America. And defunding Obamacare is doomed. The Senate has already voted 28 times in support of Obamacare.

“Next week, I will work in the Senate to pass a clean short-term Continuing Resolution that does not include these politically motivated policies.

“The best way for our government to fulfill its mission – meeting national security needs, meeting compelling human needs and making smart public investments in education, research, and infrastructure – is to pass a clean short-term Continuing Resolution without ideological riders. That will give us enough time to reach a compromise agreement with the House on replacing sequestration and passing full-year spending bills at acceptable spending levels for fiscal year 2014. That’s how we’ll prepare America for the future with a stronger economy and a safer country.

“I want to get to a bottom line, but I can’t do it without a topline. Passing a clean Continuing Resolution in the Senate is a start, but clearly we have a long way to go.�

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