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Calling on Senate to Pass Responsible Appropriations Bill, Avoid Government Shutdown

April 5, 2011
Blog

In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to fund government operations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011. Since then, the Senate has failed to act on the legislation, and Congress has passed two continuing resolutions to avert a government shutdown, the second of which will expire April 8. Earlier today, I spoke on the House floor urging the Senate to pass a responsible appropriations bill and avoid a costly government shutdown. Click below to view the remarks.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

Despite the heated rhetoric over the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, and failure to responsibly address our nation’s $14 trillion dollar debt, there is one simple truth we should all take away from this current budget standoff. Washington can no longer fail to deal with America’s looming debt crisis, as Americans continue to tighten their belts and make ends meet.

Constitutionally, all spending bills must originate in the House. In February, the House performed its duty and passed a long-term spending bill that represents tough but necessary choices we must take.

Even if we all agree a program is efficient and needed, we can’t spend money we don’t have.

At a time when the federal government is borrowing 40 cents of every dollar, we must be responsible stewards of the taxpayer dollar in a manner that ensures the long-term promises and commitments the government has made to the American people are met and fulfilled.

Short-term, continuing resolutions are no way to run the government. It’s time the Senate leadership to do what’s right. We still have a government to run and cannot adequately deal with the 2012 budget, if last year’s business is left hanging in the wind.