Congresswoman Duckworth's Statement on Continuing Resolution

Statement

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) voted against the H.J.Res. 124 -- the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015. Duckworth released the following statement.

"I am deeply disappointed that I was unable to vote for the Continuing Resolution to fund our government because of the amendment included to fund and equip Syrian rebels. There are too many questions about the long term implications of arming and equipping rebel forces and how this action fits into our broader strategy in destroying ISIS. As a Member of Congress, it's my responsibility to make sure we don't commit resources, the most precious of which are our men and women in uniform, with no comprehensive plan for our involvement."

"I am also discouraged by the failure of Congressional leadership to have an honest debate and vote on the overall strategy to defeat ISIS in a last minute effort to fund the government. We should not be holding a vote on one part of the strategy in the region that will have irreversible long term consequences in the form of in the form of an amendment to a stop gap spending bill."

"That said, I believe it is crucial that we are able to fund programs that support our economy and help working families make ends meet. I would have supported the Continuing Resolution without the McKeon Amendment to train and equip Syrian rebels. I am, however, disappointed that the Continuing Resolution did not include a long-term reauthorization for the Export-Import Bank, which is critically important to manufacturers in my district. The 9-month extension of the Export Bank's authorization, which was set to expire at the end of September, is certainly better than nothing, but it is far short from a job well done. When Congress comes back into session, I will continue my work to pass H.R. 495, the Protect American Jobs and Exports Act of 2014. This bill extends the bank's authorization for seven years and gives our businesses the certainty they deserve."

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