Gallego: Congress Should Solve Problems Not Cause Crises
Washington, D.C.: Congressman Pete P. Gallego (TX-23) issued the following statement in response to the passage of legislation to end the government shutdown.
“Today, Congress finally learned an age old lesson: when you’re in a hole, stop digging. Congress must learn to put country and patriotism ahead of party, politics, personality or pride. It should be in the business of finding solutions, not causing problems.
It is irresponsible to hurt the nation’s economy and deliberately cause anxiety to middle class families and the market. Last minute deals are an irresponsible way to govern. Petty bickering and gridlock has caused our economy billions.”
Background on H.R. 2775, legislation to end the government shutdown as passed by the House and Senate:
- Ends government shutdown: Reopen the government and fund it through Jan. 15, 2014
- Avoid US default: Raise the debt limit Feb. 7, 2014, but allows federal borrowing to continue for a few weeks longer, using special accounting measures. It will include the language that the President can raise the debt limit between now and Jan 7th with an opportunity vote on a resolution of disapproval. Congress can disapprove and the President can veto. It would then have to be overridden by 2/3rds vote.
- ACA income verification provision: Require additional measures to ensure that people who receive financial help in buying health insurance under the Affordable Care Act are being honest about their income.
- Agreement to appoint budget negotiators to avoid another budget showdown: Set up a negotiating committee to try to come up with a longer-term budget plan. The committee would be expected to issue budget recommendations by Dec. 13.
- Retroactive Pay for Furloughed Federal Employees: Provide back pay to furloughed federal workers.
- Protect borders: Allows CBP to maintain current staffing levels and border security operations, and to sustain ICE staffing and immigration activities
- Extension of certain programs for low income: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Low-Income Heating Assistance Program
- Members of Congress provision: Prohibits a cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress for FY 14
- Addresses VA Backlog: Funds — at the President’s budget request — the Veterans Benefits Administration general operating expenses to reduce the backlog of disabilities claims.
The measure, which reflects an agreement negotiated by Senate Democratic and Republican leaders and is being accompanied by the appointment of House and Senate budget conferees, passed the Senate earlier tonight by a 81-18 vote. U.S. House of Representative cleared the measure by a vote of 285-144 with Congressman Gallego voting favor. The measure is cleared for the President’s signature to become law.
