Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement today after a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on H.R. 195:
“It’s been 3 ½ months since the fiscal year began, and Congress still has not reached bipartisan agreement on appropriations legislation. This is not responsible governing. For months, Democrats have stood ready and eager to hammer out a bipartisan, long-term funding agreement, but Republican leadership insisted on this ‘go-it-alone’ strategy that ignores many pressing priorities – where there is actually bipartisan consensus.
“Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle want to eliminate the sequester and adjust the budget caps to adequately fund our military and our veterans, as well as support critical domestic programs that grow our economy and help middle-class families. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle want to fund healthcare for children, the community health centers program, and the special diabetes program, as well as prevent devastating cuts to our hospitals. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle want to protect DREAMERs. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle want to provide disaster relief for those impacted by the Thomas Fire and other disasters. However, Speaker Ryan refuses to allow the House to vote on a bill that accomplishes these shared priorities.
“Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell were willing to do anything to pass legislation that gave trillions to the rich and massive corporations. However, when it comes to important priorities, like national defense, infrastructure, and education, they continue to kick the can down the road, and even worse, prevent the House and Senate from even voting on bipartisan priorities. Another funding patch is bad for Naval Base Ventura County, bad for middle-class families in California, and bad for our nation. I simply will not participate in this charade. It’s time for Republican leadership to do the hard work of governing.”
Issues: 115th Congress, Budget