Scott Statement on Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6617, the Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act:

"While this Continuing Resolution (CR) is necessary to keep the federal government open in the short term, CRs are an expensive and wasteful solution that we should not continue to rely on. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that our government serves the American people effectively. Short term funding resolutions hamstring federal agencies and our national defense by freezing their ability to award grants, sign contracts, and do any long-term planning.

"The House of Representatives completed consideration of a majority of our full year appropriations bills months ago. The refusal of some to come to the table and do the hard work of legislating has created the need for these short-term bills to avert a shutdown. While I am pleased that this CR includes additional funds to keep the critically important Columbia Class Submarine program on track, we should not need to rely on small carveouts to ensure funding for important defense programs that have already been authorized by Congress. Other critical programs, such as those that ensure children are fed, the elderly can afford their heating bills, and everyone can file their tax returns, are also stymied by short-term funding.

"I urge my colleagues to pass full year appropriations expeditiously and work together to ensure that we can complete the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process on time before September 30, 2022."

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