FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2016
CONTACT
Yasmine Evans, 202-225-8699
Edwards Statement on Passage of Continuing Resolution to Avoid Federal Government Shutdown
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) issued the following statement regarding the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5325, the Continuing Appropriations of Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17), and Zika Response and Preparedness Act. This continuing resolution extends government funding at its current spending rate for nearly all agencies through December 9, 2016. The bill passed the House 342-85. With Senate passage earlier today, the legislation goes to the President for his consideration and enactment into law.
“I am grateful that passage of today’s continuing resolution will avoid another Republican government shutdown and keep 128,000 Maryland federal employees, countless contractors, and millions more across the country, on the job ensuring food safety, protecting our homeland, and fighting diseases,” said Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards.
“I’m also relieved congressional Republicans finally agreed to provide $1.1 billion for federal agencies to respond to the Zika virus, $800 million less than the President's request. As has been the case far too often, the Republican majority’s inability to govern has only delayed the threat of a shutdown until December. Only next time the stakes will be even higher, threatening to shut down the government during the holidays.
“When we return in a lame duck session after the elections, we must pass legislation that will keep the government open throughout FY17, which will provide federal agencies and businesses the long-term certainty to create jobs and grow our economy. Congress will also have to pass a final Water Resources and Development Act bill that contains funding to assist Flint with its water crisis.”
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