Local, National Politicians Weigh In On Funding Debacle: WTC Healthcare Excluded, No Frills Bill Passed, Fiscally Responsible Solution To Shutdowns, Stalemates In Budget Negotiations
Local Politicians Weigh In On Funding Debacle: WTC Healthcare Excluded, No Frills Bill Passed, Fiscally Responsible Solution To Shutdowns, Stalemates In Budget Negotiations – Senator Gillibrand, Representative Malliotakis, Senator Paul
Editor’s note: Staten Islander News covered the last government shutdown, which occurred during President Trump’s first term, where Senator Gillibrand discussed the real-world consequences of a government shutdown for real people including federal employees at every level. We also reported on the legislation to fund the World Trade Center Health Program.
GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON EXCLUSION OF PROVISION FOR WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM FUNDING IN END-OF-YEAR SPENDING PACKAGE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the exclusion of a provision to fund the World Trade Center Health Program in the end-of-year health extenders package:
“I am deeply disappointed by the decision to not include the World Trade Center Health Program in the government funding bill. 9/11 responders and survivors are real people, not political chess pieces. Thousands of Americans risked their lives to protect our country in its darkest hour, and it is now our responsibility as members of Congress to be there for them as they continue to battle the horrific health ramifications from that day and the many days after.”
Malliotakis Statement on Passage of Bill to Avert Government Shutdown
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis released the following statement regarding the House’s passage of a Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown:
“This revised funding package allows Congress to address the basics of what needs to be done to keep our government funded at current levels, deliver aid to our fellow Americans suffering from natural disasters and protect our agricultural supply chains. Not only is this straightforward bill much more palatable to me, but it respects the taxpayers we represent, unlike the previous backroom boondoggle I opposed that was over 1,500 pages long and gave unnecessary and costly giveaways to the Democrats. Passing this legislation today gives us what we need until President Trump is sworn in and settled so our Republican trifecta can deliver the results the American people voted for.”
Dr. Rand Paul Offers Fiscally Responsible Solution to Shutdowns and Stalemates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) offered the Government Shutdown Prevention Act as a fiscally responsible amendment to prevent shutdowns and stalemates. Dr. Paul’s amendment prevents shutdown crises, discourages excessive spending, and aims to balance the budget.
“No matter where one stands on the debate over government spending, we should all be able to agree that Congress needs to handle Americans’ money thoughtfully and hit its deadlines,” said Dr. Paul. “The Government Shutdown Prevention Act would take a major step forward toward bringing basic fiscal responsibility to Capitol Hill.”
Instead of Congress risking government shutting down operations, Dr. Paul’s plan would keep government open but institute a six percent cut, consistent with his Penny Plan, to then-current funding levels for any agency, program, and activity that Congress failed to fund. Funding would be reduced by another one percent every 90 days thereafter that an agreement is still not enacted.
Currently, Congress does not face any consequences for failing to pass appropriations bills on time, which has helped lead to it pursuing procrastination over prudence and risking shutdowns due to impasses.
Along with ensuring government honors its obligations and maintains its operations, Dr. Paul’s proposal would give agencies the certainty of knowing that, in a worst-case scenario, they will always be able to operate with a full year of funding at no less than 91 percent of their then-current levels.
You can read Dr. Paul’s amendment HERE.
Banner Image: Capitol building at night. Image Credit – Michael
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