House Republicans Ignore Time-Sensitive Deadline for the Highway Trust Fund, Pass Fiscally Irresponsible Defense Bill

Leader's Report
For Immediate Release:
2015-05-15T00:00:00
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP

This week, House Republicans passed their National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. Because this bill perpetuates their sequester philosophy, which disinvests in our nation's critical priorities, I could not support this legislation. I also had serious concerns that their bill reverts to an older, more onerous standard for transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay, making it harder for the President to close it. Lastly, House Republican leaders also continued to pander to the far-right wing of their party by removing a bipartisan amendment from the bill that would let patriotic DREAMers, who have grown up knowing no other home than America, defend our country in uniform. This exclusionary mindset is not in the best interest of our country, and I will continue to urge my Republican colleagues to work with us to address comprehensive immigration reform and give these young people the opportunity to serve our nation.

While I am pleased both parties worked together to pass the USA FREEDOM Act, which enhances privacy protections while ensuring that law enforcement and homeland security agencies have the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe, there are two pressing deadlines that require immediate bipartisan action. Unless Congress acts, the Highway Trust Fund will expire at the end of this month, threatening a critical funding source for repairs and modernization to our nation’s infrastructure. Our crumbling infrastructure, which was given an overall grade of D- by the American Society of Civil Engineers, cannot afford any more short-term patches. We need a long-term solution that will give American businesses the confidence they need to plan ahead, strengthen our economy, and invest in creating more jobs here at home.

The Export-Import Bank also faces a time-sensitive deadline, as it is set to expire on June 30, putting the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supports at risk. Unless Congress passes a reauthorization soon, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country will lose critical financing assistance that help them compete in the global marketplace. The Export-Import Bank operates at no cost to taxpayers and has strong, bipartisan support from Republicans and business community leaders. I hope House Republican leaders will let the House work its will by bringing a reauthorization bill to the Floor for a vote.

Sincerely yours,

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DEMOCRATIC NEWS UPDATE

On National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016