Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding passage of the House bill that will raise the debt ceiling and reopen the government:

“I am pleased the House voted to bring what has been a very disappointing situation in this country to an end. Hundreds of thousands of Americans will go back to work, we will secure the ability for this nation to pay back the debt it has incurred and the Affordable Care Act will proceed without impediment. 

“However, the unfortunate impasse that led to vital government services coming to a standstill and to uncertainty that the United States may not pay its debt, has been the epitome of dysfunction and irresponsibility for this Congress. 

“The cost of the government shutdown will run into the billions. The international reputation of our country has been damaged, and worst of all, for more than two weeks, federal employees across this nation were unsure about when they would be able to meet their obligations. This is not the way our democracy is meant to operate and it is not the way our government should run.

“Though we were able to reach a bipartisan deal, there are a still a number of issues this Congress must face. We need a budget that includes a sound fiscal strategy for this nation; otherwise, we will once again be forced to vote on a short-term solution that avoids tough decisions to get our fiscal house in order.  We will also continue funding our government at sequestration levels that are hurting our most vulnerable communities.  The CBC has proposed a budget that reduces the deficit and alleviates harm inflicted by austerity measures in a responsible and fiscally sound manner. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal with any of our colleagues.

“I urge the House Republican Leadership to understand that through their actions, they have done much more harm to this nation than good. As elected officials we are bound to disagree on principles, but we are not here to destroy the institution of which we are a part.  It’s time we act responsibly, get to work and restore the respect and the faith in our democracy that the American people deserve.”

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