Wittman Releases Statement Following Passage of Funding Measure to End Partial Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released a statement following the passage of Senate amendments to H.R. 7148to end the partial government shutdown:

"Government shutdowns are costly, ineffective, and threaten the livelihoods of hardworking Americans and their families. As we saw in October, families go without paychecks, and critical services are disrupted, creating uncertainty. I voted for this funding measure to prevent more harm from being done to the American people.

"The House did its job by passing all twelve appropriations bills through regular order, something that hasn't been accomplished since 1997. For years, I have called for a return to this process, and I have introduced legislation to hold Congress accountable.

"This funding measure brings five of the remaining six appropriations bills across the finish line, while extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security through February 13th. While this action reopens the government, it is not a permanent solution.

"Passing extensions of funding is not an effective way to legislate, and wehave the Constitutional responsibility to keep the government operational for the American people."

Congressman Wittman has consistently introduced numerous pieces of legislation to hold Members of Congress accountable for the budget process.

• No Budget, No Pay Act: withholds members' pay until a budget is passed.

• Stay on Schedule Resolution: would require the House to stay in session through August instead of taking a month-long recess - if all government funding bills are not passed by the end of July.

• Inaction Has Consequences Act: would withhold Member pay if all 12 government funding bills are not done by the end of the fiscal year.

The Congressman is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Actto ensure members of the military are paid in the event of a government shutdown. Rep. Wittman is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan Shutdown Fairness Act, legislation that would require federal agencies to pay employees on time in the event of a shutdown.