CONGRESSMAN BISHOP VOTES TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, KEEP SERVICES AVAILABLE TO GEORGIANS
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, supported the passage of a short-term federal spending bill that will allow the federal government to avoid a partial shutdown which would have occurred this weekend. The bill extends funding for four spending bills (Agriculture, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD) through March 1 and the remaining eight spending bills through March 8. The bill was approved by the U.S. Senate before being voted on in the U.S. House today where it was approved by a overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 314-108. The bill now heads to President Biden to be signed into law.
“I am encouraged by the progress made in negotiations between President Biden and the Senate as well as House Democratic and Republican leaders coming out of the holiday season. I have always said that the only way forward is through bipartisan agreement and today’s bill gives us the breathing room for Congress to finally get a full-year spending bill done,” said Congressman Bishop. “As that happens, it is crucial that the federal government stays open and working for America’s families, farmers, and small business owners who rely on the infrastructure, health, education, and public safety programs the federal government supports. It keeps crucial programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid open so that they can provide uninterrupted service to Georgians. And it ensures that our military and border security forces remain equipped and ready to keep our country secure.”
Early last week, an agreement on the topline spending for a full year spending bill was reached between Congressional leaders from both chambers and parties along with President Biden. Today’s bill extends funding through the end of February giving time for Congressional Democrats and Republicans to finalize the full-year spending bill which reflects the topline agreement.
###