Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2013


Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) issued the following statement regarding the Senate bipartisan compromise bill that will reopen the federal government until January 15, 2014, and prevent default by extending the debt ceiling through February 7.  The Senate passed legislation was approved by the House with a vote of 285-144, and is on to President Obama for his signature.

“I am grateful that cooler heads prevailed in the Senate to reach a compromise that reopens the federal government, preserves the creditworthiness of the United States, and provides back pay for furloughed workers. This type of irresponsible governing by the House majority that forces us from one manufactured crisis to the next must end.  I want to thank President Obama, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for standing strong against the fiscal brinksmanship and economic irresponsibility of the House Republican majority.   

“The facts are simple: after sixteen days, House Republicans furloughed 124,000 Marylanders and cost our national economy $24 billion in a misguided attempt to score political points for the extreme base of their party. We cannot address the real challenges facing this nation if factions of the Republican Party insist on taking the federal government and the full faith and credit of the United States hostage unless their demands are met. I am glad we made progress today and look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues to create jobs, grow our economy, and address our budget in a measured and responsible way.”

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