Congressman Rush Votes YES to Maintain Government Operations

Statement

Today, Congressman Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) issued the following statement after voting in support of H. J. Res. 124, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution:

"Today, I voted in support of the Continuing Resolution to maintain government operations. My vote, however, should not be seen as approval of the Republican leadership's failure to adequately fund programs that are critical not only to the citizens of my district but to millions of Americans across the country. Programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are vital. We should not be cutting it and other programs that serve as the very fabric of the social safety net.

"Today's vote, instead, was about keeping the United States government operating. We all remember last year's shutdown of the federal government and it is not something that anyone wishes to repeat.

"Additionally, this bill contained an important provision for businesses across the United States: the extension of the Export-Import Bank. Through this extension, American businesses, large and small, will continue to have the opportunity to compete globally.

"Lastly, I must clarify that my vote today was not meant as a show of support to arm opposition groups in the Middle East. As I said before, it was a vote to maintain federal government operations. Too many times we have seen the United States arm opposition groups that later down the road use those very weapons to attack us. We must end this cycle."

H. J. Res. 124 passed with a final tally of 319 YEAS and 108 NAYS.

Source