Hultgren Opposes Continuing Resolution And Debt Ceiling Extension

Washington, DC -- U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) released the following statement after opposing House passage of H.R. 601, emergency disaster relief legislation that also extends the debt limit and continues to fund government operations through December 8, 2017:

"Earlier this week, I supported a bipartisan disaster relief bill in the House to provide much needed help to those devastated by Hurricane Harvey and elsewhere," said Rep. Hultgren. "This is why I was extremely disappointed when the Senate loaded the House-passed disaster relief package and sent it back to us with extraneous provisions, such as an extension of the debt limit and circumventing regular order of the appropriations process. Such add-ons detract from what should be the overriding priority of providing disaster assistance to those who so badly need it right now, and 'kicks the can down the road' on the critical fiscal issues we need to confront. As an elected official, I take my responsibility very seriously to provide oversight on how precious taxpayer dollars are spent."

"I experienced firsthand the immeasurable damage flooding caused to the communities in my district in Lake and McHenry Counties. We as a nation must work together to assist one another during these disastrous events, which is why I supported the House disaster relief bill," said Rep. Hultgren. "As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I pushed for the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program is a source of support for Americans trying to get back on their feet after devastating natural catastrophes."

"I am thankful those in greatest need of help will get it, but I could not support a funding bill that leverages Americans devastated by natural disasters while it ignores and even exacerbates our dire fiscal condition, jeopardizing the well-being of our children and future generations of Americans."

Read this original document at: https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/Hultgren-opposes-cr-and-debt-ceiling-extension