Rep. Barletta Statement on House CR and Debt Limit Vote

Statement

Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today voted for legislation to fund the federal government through January 15, 2014 and extend the debt limit until February 7, 2014. Barletta issued the following statement:

"I never wanted the government to shut down, nor did I want to default on America's financial obligations. After weeks of attempts at negotiations and many House votes to reopen the government, I believe we are finally on a path to move forward and get back to the work of governing the country. While the final legislation we passed tonight does not even approach what I would have preferred, my love for this county and my concern for the well being of her people trump everything.

"We cannot risk a default on our financial obligations, which would damage our standing in the world and threaten the retirement accounts of countless millions of Americans. With this action, we reopen the government, restore needed services, get people back to work, and ease global financial concerns.

"As a former mayor, I always want to find solutions to problems. During this prolonged debate, the landscape was continually changing, as were the possible paths to common ground. I worked hard and kept looking for answers. In the end, I chose to side with the American people and avoid near certain financial and fiscal disaster.

"It's important to note that this is only a temporary arrangement, and I am sincerely hopeful that many of my concerns about Obamacare and government spending can be addressed as we move past this crisis."

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