Washington, D.C.-Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement after the House voted to pass legislation to
reopen the federal government and avert an historic default:
“Tonight, House Speaker John Boehner finally allowed the House of Representatives to fulfill one of its most basic duties-to govern. After holding the government hostage for 16 days to meet the reckless demands of a Tea Party faction engaged in an ideological crusade against the Affordable Care Act, Speaker Boehner finally allowed us to vote on a bill to reopen the government that passed the Senate and had bipartisan support in the House. As a result, essential services will now be restored for veterans, business owners, seniors, and children across the country who have suffered needlessly for weeks. This entire episode has damaged our country’s standing, squandered taxpayer resources, and wasted a phenomenal amount of time and energy. I pray that, as we move forward with budget negotiations, we abandon the politics of brinksmanship and work together toward a long-term agreement that supports Americans’ highest priorities-continued economic growth and job creation."
