Congresswoman Duckworth Votes against Partisan Bill that Threatens Government Shutdown

Press Release

On September 20, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) voted against H.J.Res. 59, a flawed bill that increases the likelihood of a government shutdown. The legislation extends the already devastating and unsustainable sequestration cuts to education programs such as Head Start and support for children with special needs. This resolution continues the deep cuts in funding for research and development such as the National Institute of Health's numerous cancer research programs and the Small Business Administration. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that H.J. Res. 59 will slow economic growth and cost Americans 1.6 million jobs.

"I am deeply disappointed that the majority failed to bring a serious proposal for a vote," said Duckworth. "My neighbors sent me to Washington to find solutions, not to play politics. This needlessly partisan proposal makes significant cuts to programs that help working families and increases the chance of a government shutdown at a time when our economy is just beginning to rebound. Instead of taking a constructive approach to our nation's budget and to fixing the problems of the Affordable Care Act, the bill would take away all ACA benefits. It would even deny medical insurance coverage for children with preexisting conditions. I call on members from both sides of the aisle to come together and find a solution that creates jobs, preserves our safety net, and keeps our government running."

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