“This Should Not Happen; The American People Deserve Better”

Washington, D.C.– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement about the growing likelihood that the federal government would experience a partial shutdown at midnight tonight.

“The American people have a right to expect that their elected leaders will pass and sign a reasonable budget on time and to avoid the disruptions that a partial government shutdown would cause,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “House Republicans passed a budget on February 19. Forty-eight days later, the Senate has yet to consider that budget or any budget.

“Yesterday, I joined my House Republican colleagues in passing a short-term ‘Continuing Resolution’ that would fund the government for an additional week and the Defense Department for the rest of the fiscal year. The Senate refused to consider it. And now the American people are about to bear the consequences. That is unacceptable. The American people deserve better.”

The House Republican budget includes $61 billion in spending cuts through the end of the fiscal year on Sep. 30, 2011. This was an important first step in fulfilling the House Republicans’ “Pledge to America” to cut $100 billion in federal spending over a one-year-period. The American people are demanding a stop to the Administration’s “spend, borrow, and bailout” policies, and the House Republican budget answers their demand.

While median household income has shrunk 4 percent over the past 4 years, federal spending has grown 36 percent. The federal government is borrowing $5 billion every day on top of a $14 trillion national debt. According to the Obama Administration, the debt will grow by an additional $10 trillion over the next 10 years.

“House Republicans are eager to strike a deal – but it has to be a deal that makes sense,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “Keep in mind: Sixty-one billion dollars is less than 2 percent of our $3.8 trillion federal budget. We need to find a number that will pass both Houses of Congress while also showing real fiscal restraint.

“If we can’t get our fiscal house in order – and soon – we are in danger of causing a Greek-like debt crisis in America. And by then, it will be too late because there’s no one left to bail out America.”

Later tonight, Rep. McMorris Rodgers will set up a portal on her website to answer constituent questions about the potential shutdown.

“Right now, the American people are disappointed, and I share their disappointment.”