Congress Adjourns, Still Work to Be Done During Lame Duck Session

Press Release

I'm pleased that Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives reached an agreement this week and passed legislation to avoid a government shutdown. The legislation, which President Obama signed yesterday, will fund the government into December and includes emergency funding to address the Zika virus. However, I am disappointed that the legislation did not include funds to address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and I urge Republicans to work with Democrats to ensure that issue is addressed as soon as we return in November.

As we adjourn before the election, it is deeply disappointing how dysfunctional, unproductive, and closed the Republican-led 114th Congress has been. Congress has been in session for 36 less days than the Democratic-led 111th Congress, there have been just 20 major pieces of legislation signed into law, and there have been a record number of closed rules, which reduce transparency and limit debate. Republicans in Congress are so deeply divided, they've failed to pass a budget or complete the appropriations process. They have shut down the Export-Import Bank, voted 65 times to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act, and refused to take up bipartisan legislation to address gun violence in the United States. While Republicans continue to tell the American people: "you're on your own," Democrats will continue to discuss our vision for how to renew the American people's faith in government and take steps to ensure everyone can Make It In America.

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