Courtney Calls on Boehner to End Political Gamesmanship, Compromise to Preserve Economic Recovery

Statement

Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement after House Speaker John Boehner again failed to compromise on policy riders, forcing the government to the edge of a shutdown:

"Henry Clay, one of this country's greatest legislators, once said: "Politics is not about ideological purity or moral self-righteousness, it's about governing. And if you cannot compromise you cannot govern.' Speaker Boehner's my-way-or-the-highway approach to compromise is a failure.

"Twice this year, I have crossed party lines and voted with Republicans for responsible spending measures that were negotiated between by Democrats, Republicans and the President. Speaker Boehner's unilateral posture today and insistence on ideological policy riders are a terrible step backward for our country. I stand ready to support a fully-negotiated bipartisan resolution to this logjam, just as I have over the past months.

"I urge Speaker Boehner in the strongest terms possible to follow Henry Clay's model of compromise, and keep the U.S. government open and our economy moving forward on the road to recovery."

In recent weeks, Rep. Courtney has crossed the aisle to keep the government open while negotiations continued.

* Voted for HJRes44, which included $4 billion in spending cuts. This measure provided continuing appropriations through March 18, 2011 for all government agencies and programs. Most spending levels would be based on fiscal 2010 levels, less certain eliminations and reductions totaling $4 billion. It would eliminate funding for earmarks that were included under the continuing appropriations law expiring March 4.

* Voted for HJRES 48, which included $6 billion in spending cuts. Passage of the joint resolution that would provide continuing appropriations for the federal government through April 8, 2011. Most spending levels would be based on fiscal 2010 levels, with the exception of adjustments contained in previous continuing resolutions and the measure. It would make $6 billion in program reductions and eliminations, including reductions to several accounts funded in fiscal 2010 to reflect the elimination of earmarks and the rescission of money left unspent by the 2010 Census.

Just yesterday, voted for a "clean" continuing resolution to keep the government open for one week while budget negotiations continue:

* Voted for a previous question motion for a 1 week extension. On April 7, Rep. Courtney voted or a previous question by Rep. McGovern providing for a common-sense, simple one-week extension of funding for government operations with no controversial policy riders attached to it, and no additional cuts, so that negotiations can continue without the immediate threat of a government shutdown. Republicans voted down the previous question by a vote of 238-185.

* When Republicans blocked a request to consider a clean 1-week CR, voted to overturn the ruling. On April 7, Minority Whip Hoyer offered a motion to consider a common-sense, simple 1 week extension of funding for government operations with no controversial policy riders attached to it, and no additional cuts, so that negotiations can continue without the immediate threat of a government shutdown but it was ruled of order by the Chair. Whip Hoyer appealed the ruling of the Chair so he could offer the extension. Republicans voted to table the appeal by a vote of 236-187.

Committed to Ensuring our Troops and their Families Aren't Hurt by a Shutdown

* Voted to ensure our troops get paid during a shutdown. On April 7, Rep. Owens offered a Motion to Recommit to ensure that our troops will get paid. Republicans, with the exception of Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), voted down the motion 191-236.

* Supported ensuring Congress doesn't get paid during a shutdown. On April 1, Courtney voted to ensure that the Congress and President don't get paid during a shutdown while our troops and their families see their pay delayed. The measure was blocked, however, on a party line vote. In addition, Courtney is a cosponsor of H.R. 819, which blocks pay for Congress and the President during any shutdown period.

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