Making Continuing Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2006

MAKING CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2006 -- (Senate - September 30, 2005)

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Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I voted in opposition to the Harkin amendment to H.J. Res. 68. I opposed this amendment not because of its substance, because I am strongly on the record supporting the Community Service Block Grant Program. I voted earlier this year for an amendment to the fiscal year 2006 budget resolution that would increase funding for a number of community development programs by a total of $2.073 billion. This funding increase was for important programs such as community development block grants and community service block grants that give a helping hand to those who need it most and help get them back on their feet.

No, I did not oppose the amendment because of its substance. I opposed it because of its timing. We are here on the last day of the fiscal year, and the bill before us would provide stopgap funding for a majority of the Federal Government until we finish the appropriations process here in Congress. We cannot hold up this bill today to provide stopgap funding for the Federal Government. The House of Representatives passed this bill last night and has adjourned. If the President does not sign this bill before midnight tonight the Federal Government will shut down.

We cannot allow important programs and agencies of the Federal Government to go without funding--especially in this great time of need. Numerous Government agencies are working around the clock in emergency recovery efforts to assist those impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the gulf coast.

The issue that the Senator from Iowa brought up is extremely important, and I am certain that the Senate will quickly restore funding to the level that allows the CSBG Program and other community development programs to operate effectively.

Last night the Democratic whip in the House of Representatives said it would be ``unacceptable'' to allow the Government to shutdown. I agree. Failing to pass this stopgap funding bill today without amendments would do just that. It would shutter the windows of many vital Federal Programs--including those programs deeply involved in hurricane recovery efforts, funding for our troops, and other essential programs. This is unacceptable indeed.

I know how important the CSBG and CDBG Programs are to my home State of South Dakota. I often discuss with my constituents how these programs impact the lives of many South Dakotans. I also realize how this current funding situation would impact our State. That is why I am determined to work with my colleagues at the appropriate time to restore funding. But we cannot shut down the rest of the Federal Government today at this critical hour.

Finally, I fear this is the kind of vote that the other side makes the Senate take up just for attempted political gain and for crass political motives. I fought a hard campaign last year, and I know first hand how votes can be twisted during an election year--when tension is high and there is little time for substantive explanations. I am making this statement today to set the record straight. Those on the other side may someday try to use this vote for their political advantage, but I resolved to make the responsible vote and keep our Government from facing a shutdown and resolving the funding issue on CSBG at the correct time.

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