Source:  Press Release, 2/28/11

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers released the following statement regarding the short-term continuing resolution being offered by House Republicans this week:

House Republicans have sent a bill to the Senate that would keep the government running through the end of the fiscal year – and cut government spending.  If Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid refuses to bring the bill to a vote, the House will provide another alternative to prevent a government-wide shut down by passing a short-term continuing budget resolution that would keep the government running for two weeks past the March 4 deadline.  

The short term resolution includes $4 billion in spending cuts, an amount that over time would equal the $100 billion in cuts passed in H.R.1. To reach the $4 billion in cuts, House Republicans focused on areas the President and Democrats have already agreed to target for savings -- $2.7 billion by removing earmark slush funds and $1.24 billion through program cuts and terminations.

The goal of House Republicans is not to shut down the government, but to rein in the out-of-control spending that is devastating our economy.  We cannot continue to borrow 42 cents out of every dollar from the Chinese and other foreign countries to fund a spending spree.  We must cut spending to turn our economy around.

Unfortunately, the Democrats are using the threat of a government shutdown as a political wedge to cling to their old ways of reckless spending.  House Republicans have now answered them with two plans that will keep the government running and cut spending at the same time.   It is time for the Democrats in Congress to stop playing politics and join us.

For additional information, please contact Lorie Byrd, 910/230-1910, Lorie.Byrd@mail.house.gov