U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, II voted today for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, a two-year budget agreement that averts another government shutdown, restores certainty for hardworking families, and reduces the deficit by $23 billion -- all without raising taxes. The legislation, which passed the House by a bipartisan 332 -- 94 margin, now awaits consideration in the Senate.
"The House acted today in a bipartisan fashion to restore the long-term certainty that hardworking families deserve," said Southerland. "This common sense agreement cuts the federal deficit by $23 billion and strengthens the readiness of our military without increasing taxes. As far as I'm concerned, that's a win for the American people. And by eliminating the possibility of another government shutdown in January, we are now able to keep our focus where it belongs: on improving conditions for job growth and addressing the crippling impact of the disastrous Obamacare rollout."