Hoyer: After Passing Short-Term CR, Congress Has a Responsibility to Reach Bipartisan Agreement on Appropriations & End Sequester

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House passed a clean, short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11:

“The House and Senate have now passed a clean, short-term funding bill to avert a shutdown through December 11.  Congress now has an opportunity – indeed, a responsibility – over the next ten weeks to reach bipartisan agreement on appropriations and an end to the dangerous sequester.  I hope Democrats and Republicans will now come together to enter negotiations with a commitment to reaching a balanced compromise that adheres to the Murray-Ryan principle of parity for sequester relief for the defense and non-defense caps.  While we continue to pursue fiscal sustainability, Congress must have the ability to prioritize our nation’s investments in national security, economic growth, and opportunity.”