U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the House’s Passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013

December 12, 2013

U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the House’s Passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013

Excerpt: This agreement is far from perfect, but it prevents Republicans from holding our economy hostage again. However, it fails to eliminate the threat of potentially more irresponsible Republican brinksmanship in the near future over the debt ceiling and allowing our government to pay its bills.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) Senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee released the following statement on the House’s Passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013:

“Today I voted in support of the H.J. Res 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, in spite of its many flaws. It lifts the sequester on government spending which made indiscriminate and damaging cuts to programs like childhood education, public housing, and other vital government services.

“The budget agreement provides a welcome departure from the recent 16-day government shutdown that slowed our economic output and cost the economy $24 billion. This agreement is far from perfect, but it prevents Republicans from holding our economy hostage again. However, it fails to eliminate the threat of potentially more irresponsible Republican brinksmanship in the near future over the debt ceiling and allowing our government to pay its bills.

"My support of the bipartisan budget resolution is not without deep reservations. One of its most critical shortcomings is its failure to extend unemployment insurance for millions of struggling Americans. I continue to urge Republican leadership to act in time to prevent devastation to the many unemployed Americans who need continued support as they look to recover from difficult economic times. Now is not the time to turn our backs on those in our nation who are most in need.”[End]