As Congress Returns to Session, Republicans Continue to Ignore Government Funding, Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank and Highway Bill
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Following the August District Work Period, Members of the House returned to session earlier this week with a long list of critical legislative priorities that require immediate action from Congress. With only a few legislative days remaining before the end of the fiscal year on October 1, House Republicans are threatening yet another reckless government shutdown – this time, threatening women’s health in their effort to defund Planned Parenthood. While Democrats are ready to work together on bipartisan budget negotiations to replace the irrational policy of sequestration and keep our government open, it’s unclear whether House Republican leaders will work with us to act responsibly or once again pander to their party’s most extreme Members. As the end of the fiscal year nears, I will continue to urge Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader McCarthy to avoid the mistakes of the past and fulfill their promise to the American people that they will govern responsibly – not by crisis. Democrats are ready to work with them to reach agreement so we can replace the sequester and avoid the devastating economic consequences of another senseless shutdown.
Another time-sensitive issue that needs to be addressed is the Export-Import Bank. After Republicans shut down the Bank at the end of June, American workers and businesses have been at a disadvantage in the global marketplace, losing contracts and having to put transactions on hold. Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank enjoys strong support and can pass the House if House Republican leaders put a bill on the Floor to reopen the Bank.
In addition to ending their ideological crusade against the Bank, Republicans should also support American job growth by taking action well before the October 29 deadline to pass a long-term surface transportation bill. I urge them to work on a bipartisan basis to reach agreement on a sustainable long-term funding source for infrastructure repairs, which will provide states with certainty and strengthen our economic competitiveness.
Also this week, the House voted on the Iran nuclear deal. You can read my full statement on the deal here.
Sincerely yours,
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DEMOCRATIC NEWS UPDATE
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