Rep. Speier Issues Statement After Voting ‘No’ on Government Funding, Disaster Bills

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Rep. Jackie Speier, D-California, issued the following statement regarding her vote against the Republican continuing resolution and disaster assistance bills:

"I voted no on the Republican Continuing Resolution (CR) and disaster assistance package because I could not support a proposal that fails to provide for hard-working individuals and families, veterans, DREAMers, and communities across our country in the grip of the deadly opioid epidemic. I refused to accept the temporary and inadequate extension of funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which leaves the future of 9 million children very much in doubt.

"And I rejected the strings attached to assistance for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which demonstrate a stunning disregard for American citizens who are still without adequate shelter, electricity, and potable water. Congress is, once again, punting on its responsibility to address tough issues by passing a temporary funding bill that will see us right back at the brink of a government shutdown less than 30 days from today.

"Today's actions are more examples of how Republicans prioritize fat tax breaks for their donors and themselves at the expense of the middle class and Americans in need. We need an actual budget that expands economic opportunity, makes critical investments in education and infrastructure, keeps the promises we've made to seniors and veterans, and continues the progress we've made in responsibly reducing the deficit. Congress must also act immediately to protect DREAMers, who are at risk of deportation through no fault of their own, and ensure that U.S. territories are not treated like second-class citizens.

"I will continue to fight for these basic necessities, and I call on my fellow Members of Congress to do the same."

Issues: Defense & Foreign Policy, Health Care, Transportation & Infrastructure, Veteran & Troops