Congresswoman Hirono Statement Following Bipartisan Rejection of House Majority Continuing Resolution

Press Release

Today legislation pushed by the House Majority that would continue funding of the federal government failed to pass the House by a vote of 195 to 230. Many voted against the bill because it required disaster assistance for states and communities hurt by natural disasters to be paid for by ending the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan program -- an initiative that has put 40,000 people to work producing cleaner cars. Typically disaster funding is provided on an emergency basis -- without cutting valuable programs that have nothing to do with the disaster.

Congresswoman Hirono signed a letter supporting the Senate disaster relief bill that would provide immediate help to affected areas and issued the following statement today after the House vote:

"The choice put before us today was either cut jobs or deny families and businesses the help they need to rebuild during a year of record-breaking natural disasters. Can you imagine telling people in Kona that we can either cut your job or help your community rebuild in the aftermath of the tsunami? This is a false choice. We in Hawaii know it and reject it."

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