For Immediate Release

Date: September 18, 2014

Contact: Vince Morris (202) 224-1010

 

 

 

 

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate voted 78-22 to approve H.J. Res 124, a continuing funding resolution (CR), which prevents a government shutdown by extending current funding levels into fiscal year (FY) 2015 through December 11, 2014.

 

“The American people want a government to work as hard as they do. They want us to honor our commitment to our veterans. They want us to meet compelling human needs. And they want us to have an opportunity ladder so that all Americans can have a fair shot at the American Dream. Shutting down the government last year was a terrible situation that should not be repeated.

 

“Our goal for this continuing funding resolution is to lay the groundwork for an omnibus funding bill in December that will include all 12 appropriations bills.

 

“I supported this continuing funding resolution because it meets four goals. First, it avoids another shutdown and showdown. Second, it does no harm to important existing programs. Third, it gives the President the funding needed to protect the nation. And fourth, it lays the groundwork for an omnibus bill that we can negotiate and pass early in December before this CR expires on the 11^th.

 

“I see this CR as a bridge to an omnibus. It sets the stage for Congress to come together after the election to do an omnibus funding bill for fiscal year 2015.

 

“We held 60 hearings in six weeks and had all 12 of our bills ready to go to the floor. If we don’t pass an omnibus in December, we lose the chance to get value for the taxpayer dollar. Every one of the Appropriations Subcommittee chairs and ranking members made reforms to toughen oversight and eliminate waste. We don’t want to waste the work of the Committee. Instead, tonight’s vote should empower the Appropriators to start negotiating the Omnibus.”

 

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