Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to avert a government shutdown and pass strong funding bills and a comprehensive national security supplemental package. Speaking at a Senate Democratic leadership press conference, Senator Murray outlined the importance of moving quickly to pass bipartisan, bicameral funding bills.
"Now that we finally have a spending framework, which allows us to move forward on full-year appropriations bills, I have been working around the clock with my colleagues in both chambers to keep this process moving as quickly as possible and write and pass the strongest possible bipartisan, bicameral funding bills—and get them to the President's desk," Senator Murray stated.
The Senator highlighted the significance of these funding bills, as they have significant implications for the nation's families and future. She stressed the need to pass the strongest possible funding bills promptly.
"But as that work continues, we absolutely have to prevent a harmful government shutdown come Friday," Senator Murray emphasized. "So I am really glad there is bipartisan agreement in both chambers on a CR to avert that shutdown so we can get our bills done."
Senator Murray expressed hope that the current continuing resolution (CR) would be the last and urged her colleagues to work together to ensure a quick resolution, avoiding a pointless and expensive shutdown. She emphasized the pressing challenges at hand and the need to focus on finalizing appropriations bills that are free of partisan poison pills and protect key investments in the country's future.
In addition to funding bills, Senator Murray stressed the urgent need to take action on a supplemental package that provides support to allies in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, as well as humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
"We still urgently need to take action on a supplemental that gets desperately needed support to our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific—and provides humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza," Senator Murray stated.
She also mentioned her participation in a meeting at the White House with leaders from both parties to discuss the path forward in getting the supplemental package across the finish line.
As the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray's remarks underscore the importance of bipartisan cooperation in avoiding a government shutdown, passing strong funding bills, and providing essential support to allies and humanitarian aid to those in need.
