Dingell: We Must Reevaluate What Is Really Important -- Politics Or Progress

Statement

U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement today regarding H.R. 1363, the third short-term continuing resolution (CR) to be passed in the 112th Congress:

"Today, over my strong objections, the House passed H.R. 1363, the seventh interim CR to be passed for fiscal year (FY) 2011. Not only has the Republican-led House abdicated its responsibility of providing long-term, carefully considered funding, but it has now turned the appropriations process into a complete ideological winner-take-all battle.

"This particular CR would fund government agencies and programs for one week while cutting nearly $13 billion from non-security discretionary spending. These cuts specifically target infrastructure projects and key research and welfare programs. Not surprisingly, the Republican leadership is trying to mask the dangerous impact of this legislation with one single interest. The bill would fund the Department of Defense (DOD) for the rest of the fiscal year… and provide an increase of $7 billion above the current level. The fact that the GOP would use DOD funding as a curtain to hide hazardous cuts to programs across the board that would help energize our economy, improve our infrastructure and keep our borders safe is completely unacceptable. We can all agree that providing long-term funding for the DOD is important. It is also important to every other government agency and program.

"As the prospect of a federal government shutdown looms and funding negotiations remain tenuous, the Republicans are forcing a vote on an ideological statement, not a real plan for the future. The GOP has denied Democrats the opportunity for a straight one-week extension to allow time for further discussion. Instead, they have put forth an absurd bill with controversial policy riders that do not belong in a CR. Moreover, this current CR distracts from the productive appropriations negotiations necessary to reach a reasonable compromise.

"In this Congress, the ideological determination of a few has ruined the nature of cooperation that is required for progress. The possibility of a federal government shutdown appears ever more likely, and I do not want to see more than 29,000 federal employees in my district have their lives disrupted. However, the Democrats have met the GOP more than halfway and it is time for the Republican leadership to stop playing games. I will not allow a few unreasonable and irresponsible members of this chamber continue to bully the rest of this Congress into submission. It is crucial that we pass a spending bill that responsibly cuts spending, investments in future growth and job creation, and provides certainty to the American public. I encourage my Republican colleagues to reevaluate what is really important -- politics or progress."

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