Wasserman Schultz on Passage of the Partisan House Republican Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after the House voted 230 to 189 to pass the House Republicans’ partisan continuing resolution.

“This damaging legislation significantly increases the risk of a government shutdown, continues the harmful cuts of sequestration, and defunds the Affordable Care Act. Simply put, it is further proof that the Republican Caucus has lost touch with the American people.

“Here we are, once again, facing another self-manufactured crisis that could result in significant harm to our economy and real financial pain to millions of hard-working Americans. Rather than partisan political posturing, we must find a balanced approach to this challenge.

“Our number one goal right now should be creating jobs to continue strengthening our economy. Instead, the indiscriminate cuts of sequestration, continued under this legislation, undermine our recovery and hurt millions of Americans. Because of these across-the-board cuts, early education programs like Head Start lost $16 million in funding. Programs that provide food for the needy and elderly, such as Broward Meals on Wheels, have suffered such significant budget setbacks that they have had to create a waiting list for the first time in their 28-year history for seniors who need meals and cut meals from seniors already being served.

“This vote, the 42nd one in the House to repeal or end “ObamaCare,” is yet another attempt to undercut implementation of this law. With the health insurance marketplaces set to open Oct. 1, we need to be focusing our efforts on educating Americans about their options for obtaining affordable health care, not undermining the law of the land with partisan bickering.

“But it doesn’t end there. If this bill were to become law, many of the improvements to Medicare through the Affordable Care Act would also have to be suspended, including better coverage for preventive services, and lower costs for drug benefits. This is simply unconscionable – the seniors in my district deserve better.

“My Democratic colleagues and I, along with the President, are ready to do our part to find a compromise. South Floridians need our colleagues to reach across the aisle to meet us halfway and do what’s right for the American people.”