Short-term spending bill passed

Statement

Vote buys time to secure funding for critical transportation projects in Maine

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement today after voting for a short-term budget bill to keep the government operating for the next three weeks.

"I voted today to keep the government operating while Congressional leaders negotiate a long-term bill to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. I also felt it was necessary to give ourselves a little more time to make sure we have secured crucial funding for the Memorial Bridge in Kittery and full funding of the extension of the passenger rail service to Brunswick. Some of that funding could be in jeopardy under the spending bills supported by Republicans in Congress, but this short-term bill creates additional time to make sure that funding is obligated and can't be taken back."

"Even though I voted for the bill today, this is no way to run a government. These short-term bills create too much uncertainty in government programs and the private sector. It's time for Congressional leaders to come up with a bill that will keep the government operating through the rest of the year while preserving the investments necessary to keep our economic recovery moving forward."

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