Skip to main content

Rep. Chu Statement on Continuing Resolution

December 8, 2016

Washington, DC – Today, the House passed H.R. 2028, a continuing resolution to fund the government until April 28, 2017. The government is scheduled to run out of funding and shutdown on December 9. This continuing resolution funds the government at current Fiscal Year 2016 levels for all government operations, with a .1901% across the board cut to both defense and nondefense accounts. In addition to funding the government, the bill also includes $170 million in appropriated funding to implement the programs to address the Flint water crisis, $1.8 billion for a community block grant program to help communities recover after natural disasters, and $872 million to fund commitments under the 21st Century Cures Act to combat the opioid epidemic, accelerate research, and provide additional mental health services. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following statement:

“Once again, with a government shutdown looming just hours away, Congressional Republicans have offered another short-term budget. Keeping the government open is our most basic responsibility, as is providing support for the people of Flint, Michigan who still do not have access to safe drinking water, so I believe this bill was must-pass legislation. But our government cannot keep budgeting through short term patches while standing on the edge of government shutdown. Further, it is upsetting that Republicans would use the urgency of a funding bill to include a waiver for General Mattis, who is legally prohibited from serving as Secretary of Defense. This was a political favor to Donald Trump to avoid any debate on the impact this waiver would have on our tradition of civilian control of the military. When we return in January for the 115th Congress, I hope we can return to the normal budget process that allows us to fund the government with appropriate foresight and input from all members.”

H.R. 2028 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 326-96.