Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement following the passage of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2015 Appropriations bill, which directs spending for federal agencies through September 30, 2015.
“I voted today for the critical investments this bill makes in Washington state families, jobs, communities, and economy—and because I believe our country deserves better than a government that simply lurches from one short-term spending bill and one artificial crisis to another. I fought to make sure this bill included key Washington state priorities—including funding for our schools, roads, worker training initiatives, Hanford cleanup, new protections for communities near oil train routes, housing for our most vulnerable families, care and support for our veterans and servicemembers, and more. This bill will give Washington state businesses and the economy some budget certainty through next year, which is good for local workers and would not have been possible had we been forced to pass a short-term bill and renegotiate this legislation when Republicans control both chambers of Congress.
“However, this bill is far from perfect and there are some provisions that Republicans fought to include that I strongly oppose and had hoped would be removed. I am extremely disappointed that Republicans put Wall Street interests ahead of middle class families and refused to take out the provision they fought for that attempts to undercut Wall Street reform. I am very concerned that some of the Republican provisions could increase health care premiums for families and businesses. And I oppose the policy change slipped into the bill at the last minute that opens the door to reductions in pensions for many retirees who worked hard and deserve to get the benefits they’ve earned.
“When I worked last year to pass a two-year bipartisan budget deal, one of my priorities was allowing Congress to return to the regular budget process and get back to the important work of creating jobs, growing the economy, making the best use of taxpayer dollars, and showing the American people that their elected officials can work together and deliver results. While this bill includes some Republican provisions I don’t support, it represents an important step forward when it comes to economic growth, jobs, and bipartisan compromise. I am hopeful that we can work together next year to build on the progress made in this bill, address the concerns raised by the inclusion of harmful Republican provisions, and continue to deliver results for the families we represent.”
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