Walz Statement on Continuing Resolution

Statement

U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement on the proposed continuing resolution before the House today that, as written, he will vote against:

"Congressional Republicans have had ample time to reach across the aisle to work out a bipartisan long-term funding deal. I have stood ready, as I still do, to work with them to find common ground on a long-term funding measure. However, I cannot in good conscience support a continuing resolution that leaves our children and Dreamers behind, fails to provide our military the resources and certainty it needs to plan into the future, and doesn't ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs has the capacity to directly deliver quality and timely health care to our veterans.

"While I certainly welcome a six year extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), I believe it should be extended permanently to ensure the health care thousands of Minnesota children rely on will be there in the future. Not to mention, doing so would actually save us money in the long run. Moreover, the failure to address the looming fiscal cliff our Community Health Centers face is unacceptable and will have dire consequences. I have heard from Community Health Centers in Minnesota that without critical funding, they will not be able to provide care to children most in need, even with CHIP funding.

"Furthermore, the failure of Congressional Republicans to address DACA and protect Dreamers tears at the moral fabric of our nation and leaves thousands facing the terrifying prospect of deportation. DACA recipients pay taxes, contribute to our economy, and strengthen our communities. Congress must act now to provide them with a long-overdue path to citizenship by passing the bipartisan Dream Act.

"This month-to-month continuing resolution cycle needs to end. Providing certainty for our service members, our veterans, our farmers and our middle-class families requires long-term funding and there is no excuse for Congress and the White House's inability to get it done.

"The fact remains that Republicans control the White House, the House and the Senate. If Republicans in Congress found a way to pass their devastating tax bill, of which 83% of tax cuts go to the wealthiest one percent, they can find a way to protect America's children and families."

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