“Essential and Critical Step in Getting America’s Fiscal House in Order”

Washington, D.C.– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement today after voting for a Continuing Resolution that will keep the federal government open and funded through September 30, while cutting spending $100 billion in the process.

"During the past four years, median household income has shrunk 4 percent while federal spending has grown 36 percent. Families and small businesses in Eastern Washington have been tightening their belts during these tough times, and the federal government needs to do the same.

“The federal government has been borrowing 40 cents of every dollar it spends—this reckless spending is unsustainable and most stop.

“This Continuing Resolution essentially rolls back federal spending to the pre-bailout, pre-stimulus levels over the next seven months. While it’s not a perfect plan – no plan is – I believe it’s absolutely essential to getting our fiscal house in order, creating a favorable climate for job creation, and preserving the American Dream for our children and grandchildren.

“This Continuing Resolution is just the start as we work to get our fiscal house in order.  There will be many opportunities to cut federal spending in the next few months. I am hopeful that President Obama and the Senate will work constructively with the House to put America on a path to fiscal sanity and avoid a government shutdown. Otherwise, we are in danger of causing a massive debt crisis in our great country.”