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"Just three weeks ago, Congress passed - in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion - an omnibus appropriations bill that provided responsible funding levels for critical services and investments.

"Despite having personally signed the Omnibus into law, President Trump today proposed a cruel and radical departure from that solid foundation. Cutting $54 billion from nondefense services and investments would have a devastating impact on working families, hospitals, law enforcement, schools, and local infrastructure around the country. It is a false choice to suggest slashing these investments is the price of providing the equipment, training, and manpower our military needs. We can - and should - do both.

Today House Budget Committee Ranking Member John Yarmuth, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita Lowey, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, House Budget Committee Vice Ranking Member Pramila Jayapal, and House Appropriations Committee Vice Ranking Member Derek Kilmer joined with representatives from NDD United at a press conference calling on Congress to raise the 2018 spending caps. If no action is taken, Congress will face irresponsible and arbitrary austerity-level caps that threaten our country's economy, security, and standing as a global leader.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement regarding President Trump's tweets advocating a government shutdown:

"President Trump's statement advocating a government shutdown is reckless and irresponsible.

"Congress is about to consider a good, bipartisan Appropriations package containing important investments, carefully considered provisions, and compromises between Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate. It should not be thought of as a zero-sum game with one party winning or losing - it is a win for the American people.

"I urge President Trump to consider being a constructive part of our government's spending decisions, rather than a destabilizing influence."

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Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement on the FY2017 Omnibus Appropriations Act:

"I am pleased that the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have produced an Omnibus Appropriations Act, rather than a full-year Continuing Resolution.

"This is not the bill that any of us would have written individually - it is the product of compromise. Nevertheless, there are many positive attributes, and providing full-year funding direction to federal departments and agencies is among the most basic responsibilities of Congress.