Congressman Olszewski Issues Statement on Stop-Gap Budget Vote

(Washington, DC) - Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today issued the following statement after voting against a Continuing Resolution that would extend government funding through November 21. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a 217-212 vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration:

"I support a bipartisan budget that responsibly funds our government, lowers costs for constituents and can be implemented without interference from the Trump Administration.

Unfortunately, the partisan stop-gap measure passed today by House Republicans will make life harder and more expensive for families who are already struggling. It uses the threat of a government shutdown as leverage to keep raising prices - particularly in healthcare.

In addition to rubber stamping devastating cuts to Medicaid and food programs that support children, seniors and veterans, the bill also jeopardizes critical healthcare tax credits that millions of Americans rely on for coverage. It also contains zero protections against an Administration that has already shown a willingness to cancel funds passed by a bipartisan Congress - including investments essential to rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge.

Our dedicated and patriotic federal workforce, hundreds of thousands of whom live and work in Maryland, deserve better. I remain committed to working across the aisle to advance a strategic, sensible budget that preserves their vital missions and delivers for the American people."

Congressman Olszewski spoke against the legislation on the House floor earlier this week. You can see his speech here.