Olszewski Issues Statement on Senate Passage of Continuing Resolution

(Washington, DC) –  Congressman Johnny Olszewski issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed a Continuing Resolution that will keep the government open and funded through the end of September. The measure previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is expected to be signed into law tonight by President Trump.

 “I believe in bipartisanship and I believe that America should honor its commitment to supporting veterans and the vulnerable. With the passage of this Continuing Resolution, neither aim was accomplished, and we can expect great harm to be unleashed on the American people. 

While the government might now remain ‘open,’ extreme Republicans now own a hyper-partisan budget that completely excluded Democrats from the lawmaking process and that cuts funding for healthcare, veterans and nutritional assistance for children and families. They own a budget that actively supports President Trump in his unprecedented takeover of our democratic institutions.

 I cannot adequately express my disappointment in the Republican Members of Congress and the Democratic Members of the Senate who provided the votes to enact this resolution. They created a false choice between a bad budget and a shutdown when compromise remained possible. 

While deeply dismayed, I refuse to be deterred. I will continue to fight these actions and continue to sound the alarm for Americans, inviting them to join us in this fight to defend decency and democracy.”