Foster Statement on Passage of Short-Term Funding Agreement to Avoid Government Shutdown

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the House passed a 45-day continuing resolution to fund the federal government and avoid a shutdown:

“Today, I voted to keep the government open and avoid a harmful shutdown that would hurt our economy and force millions of government employees and service members to go without pay. 

“I am relieved Speaker McCarthy finally chose to work with Democrats in the interest of the American people instead of a small group of far-right extremists. This short-term funding agreement doesn’t fully address our current budget impasse, and it doesn’t include much-needed aid for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself from Putin’s unjust invasion, but it is vital that we keep the federal government open and able to serve the American people.

“I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this funding resolution and continue working in a bipartisan manner to fund assistance to the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom.

“This situation has made it clear that the fringe of the Republican conference isn’t interested in a functional government. As we move forward in our work, I hope Republican leadership pursues sensible, bipartisan solutions instead of wasting time with futile infighting.”

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