Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined 265 of his Democratic and Republican colleagues in voting for H.R. 1314, the bipartisan budget package, to help avert a fiscal crisis, boost spending caps, protect seniors, and raise the debt ceiling.
"The bipartisan budget package passed today represents significant progress to ensure economic security for hard-working American families and small businesses," said Congressman Cohen. "While I do not agree with everything in the bill, the budget will alleviate some of the crippling effects of sequestration by restoring $40 billion over two years for vitally important programs like food stamps, supplemental nutritional assistance for women, infants, and children, and medical research at the National Institutes of Health that could lead to cures for debilitating and fatal diseases. I am also pleased the deal fixes an imminent 52% spike in Medicare Part B premiums for Medicare beneficiaries and fixes a 20% cut to Social Security disability benefits for 2016. I have been fighting for fixes to both of these in Congress. I was proud to vote for a bipartisan budget deal that provides the stability that the business community and the American people need and deserve."