Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at the Senate Democrats’ weekly leadership press conference to criticize the House Republican Continuing Resolution (CR). Murray described the CR as "dangerous and damaging to American interests."
“There is an awful lot happening in the world to let House Republicans leave our government on autopilot for six months,” stated Senator Murray. She emphasized that a six-month CR would have significant consequences: “new programs that will not get started, finished programs that will not wind down, opportunities missed, agencies like the Social Security Administration will be spread thinner and thinner, despite doing important work for the American people.”
Murray expressed concerns about national security: “When it comes to keeping our military strong, and ready, and properly funded—we cannot afford to be our own worst enemy.” She criticized potential shutdowns driven by political motives: “We should not allow our government to teeter on the verge of a MAGA Republican shutdown because Donald Trump wants to pick another fight.”
Patty Murray
| Official U.S. House headshot
Senator Murray highlighted the bipartisan efforts of the Senate Appropriations Committee and called for a cooperative approach: “I’m here today to urge the House Republicans to get to the table, get serious, and put the American people first.”
The proposed House Republican CR would require federal agencies to operate under last year’s spending bills until March. It would also push spending decisions close to an April deadline, risking sequestration cuts across all federal departments. Additionally, it fails to extend crucial health care programs and policies essential for border protection and agriculture.
In her concluding remarks, Murray reiterated her stance against partisan tactics: “Everyone knows including the SAVE Act on the House Republicans’ CR is a partisan scare tactic and a poison pill.” She advocated for bipartisan collaboration in funding bills without attaching wish lists.
Murray concluded by urging action from House Republicans: “So, I’m here today to urge the House Republicans to get to the table, get serious, and put the American people first.”
