Dec 12, 2023
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the urgent need for Congress to pass a national security supplemental funding package and full-year appropriations bills. Speaking at a Senate Democratic leadership press conference, Senator Murray called on her colleagues to prioritize aid to Ukraine and other critical national security priorities.
Senator Murray urged Senators to make a choice between delivering on national security priorities or going home for the holidays and potentially abandoning allies. She emphasized the importance of bipartisan negotiation on border policy but rejected any partisan wish list of far-right overhauls to immigration policy.
Highlighting the need for unity and cooperation, Senator Murray warned that delays and partial measures would send a dangerous message to adversaries and allies alike. She called on Senate Republicans to work together and avoid pitting allies and crises against each other as political bargaining chips.
The Senator also drew attention to the upcoming government funding deadline, just 38 days away, and expressed concern over the potential furloughing of food safety inspectors and air traffic controllers. She called on Speaker Johnson to return to the full topline spending deal negotiated by House Republicans, emphasizing the importance of honoring the agreement made and avoiding setting a precedent of going back on their word.
Senator Murray stressed that a shutdown is not an acceptable outcome and dismissed the proposed date-change, full-year continuing resolution (CR) as inadequate. Instead, she urged for the passage of full-year spending bills and called on the Speaker to honor the deal that was negotiated and voted for.
In conclusion, Senator Murray reiterated the need for Congress to act swiftly and responsibly to meet urgent national security priorities and avoid any disruptions in government funding. She urged her colleagues to put aside partisan differences and work together to pass the necessary funding bills.
Committee on Appropriations | Room S-128, The Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20510 | (202) 224-7363
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/senator-murrays-remarks-on-the-urgent-need-to-pass-national-security-supplemental-funding-full-year-funding-bills-at-democratic-leadership-press-conference
