Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on today’s U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the effects of across-the-board federal budget cuts:
“Today’s GAO report confirms what has long been apparent: across-the-board cuts mandated by sequestration damaged the federal government’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities as the American people expect and deserve.
“Congress’ initial failure to replace sequestration with a balanced plan for deficit reduction - compounded by a pointless government shutdown - resulted in damaging delays and reductions of grants and vouchers for organizations serving vital functions in our communities. It caused delays to important investments, fulfillment of contracts, workforce training, and procurement of necessary materials. Civil service furloughs hurt federal employee morale and recruitment of the next generation of public servants.
“We must never repeat this utter failure of fiscal responsibility and good governance.
“The Murray-Ryan budget compromise mitigated the impact of sequestration for 2014 and 2015. I am hopeful the Appropriations Committees can build on recent success by passing 2015 Appropriations bills through regular order. Those bills must invest in our future, create and protect jobs, and support services on which American families rely."
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
