Cochran: Continuing Resolution Approval Sets Stage for Progress on Budget, National Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today encouraged Senate passage of the House-passed short-term continuing resolution (CR) to maintain government operations through Feb. 16 and extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years.
“I am pleased this legislation extends the Children’s Health Insurance Program for six years, effectively resolving a pressing, bipartisan priority. This is an important program for Mississippi and every other state. Ensuring the availability of health care for children is worthwhile and overdue.
“Continuing resolutions are an inefficient way to fund the government. They impose hardships on national security agencies and on Americans who benefit from government programs. In the next few weeks, we must find consensus on spending caps that would enable us to complete the FY2018 appropriations process and address other pressing priorities. I do not believe a government shutdown will lead to thoughtful outcomes on these matters.
“The new continuing resolution will give us more time to negotiate a budget agreement and address priorities such as disaster relief, immigration and border security. It deserves the support of the Senate.”
In addition to funding the CHIP program through 2023, the new CR would avert a partial government shutdown beginning at midnight, Friday, Jan. 19. The measure would also delay for two years implementation of the medical device tax and the “Cadillac Tax” on health care.
LINK:
H.J.Res.125 - CR text: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-joint-resolution/125
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