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CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING PASSAGE OF CR

September 18, 2014

EX-IM BANK SHORT-TERM REAUTHORIZATION, FUNDING TO COMBAT EBOLA AND COUNTER ISIL INCLUDED

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) supported House Joint Resolution (H. J. Res.) 124, the Continuing Resolution (CR) for Fiscal Year 2015. The legislation continues funding for all government operations through December 11, 2014. The Export Import Bank of the United States will be authorized to continue operating until June 30, 2015. Also, the bill provides $88 million in additional funding to fight the Ebola virus outbreak in Western Africa. Lastly, the bill authorizes the training and equipping of vetted elements of the Syrian opposition to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The legislation was approved by a vote of 319 to 108.

"It is vitally important that a government shutdown be averted so crucial services provided by the government continue to be available to seniors, families, small business, veterans, and our communities in Georgia. I am pleased that this government funding bill will ensure continued operations. Once Congress returns in the fall, I look forward to working with my colleagues to return to regular order by passing all twelve full year appropriations bills.

"Regarding authorizing funding to oppose ISIL, while I prefer peace to war, of course, in order to have peace, you have to be in a position of strength. My main concern is the safety of the American people, at home and abroad, and our ability to defeat ISIL is paramount in order to neutralize them so they will no longer be a threat to our national security.

"As the tragedy in Western Africa continues to unfold, I am hopeful that additional funding provided by the CR to the Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund will be useful in stemming the spread of the disease by supporting the accelerated development of therapies for Ebola.

"Lastly, if Congress did not reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank, millions of jobs will be lost as our small businesses lose their competitive edge in foreign markets. Our nation is not in a position where we can afford to lose jobs when the economy is just beginning to rebound. While today's short-term solution continues Ex-Im Bank's operations, I look forward to a long-term reauthorization so we may really claim a win for American workers, small businesses, and our rural communities."

For more information regarding the Continuing Resolution and its provisions, please click here.