Lowey Statement on 2014 Continuing Resolution

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the House majority's Continuing Resolution and the potential for government shutdown:

"By refusing to advance a Continuing Resolution that can pass the Senate, the Republican majority has made the reckless and irresponsible choice to shut down the federal government.

"The Affordable Care Act was passed by a majority of the House and a supermajority of the Senate, signed into law by the President, and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Yet the majority continues to jeopardize the jobs and security of middle-class families in order to reverse the legitimate outcome.

"A government shutdown will result in 1.4 million active duty military personnel not being paid for their work until after the shutdown ends. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed, and those employees and contractors who continue to work will not be paid during the shutdown. Federal loan guarantees for small businesses and middle-income families purchasing homes will be put on hold, as will research into life-threatening diseases and environmental reviews of planned transportation and energy-related projects, halting economic progress.

"It is a sad commentary on the state of the Republican majority that its leaders are powerless to contain the most extreme voices clamoring for a path we know will disrupt the economy, kill jobs, and stunt growth. I urge the majority to end this dangerous charade and advance a Continuing Resolution capable of passing the Senate and being signed into law."