Press Releases
Larsen Statement on Fourth Short-Term Continuing Resolution
Washington, DC,
January 18, 2018
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting against the fourth short-term Continuing Resolution of the 2018 budget year in the House of Representatives: “Pushing through a fourth Continuing Resolution is as useless as polishing the brass on the Titanic – the ship is still going to sink in just four short weeks. Congressional Republicans need to start working with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan budget agreement that includes funding for vital programs currently in limbo. “This bill fails to protect the 17,800 Dreamers in Washington state who make important contributions in our communities, classrooms and workplaces each and every day. These young people urgently need action following President Trump's suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. “Repeated stopgap spending bills fail to fully fund public health care services, like Community Health Centers and do not adequately tackle growing problems, like the opioid epidemic. “Furthermore, the VA Choice program is quickly depleting its resources, which could lead to increased wait times for veterans trying to make medical appointments. This is unacceptable.” Larsen joined House Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump, outlining essential priorities for the 2018 budget agreement:
“The bottom line is: families deserve better. Washingtonians deserve better. Budgetary brinksmanship deprives hardworking families, seniors and veterans of the vital services and safety-net programs they count on every day. They need a budget now – not later.” Larsen also voted against the last short-term Continuing Resolution in December. ### |