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Rep. Schrier Statement on Passage of Funding Agreement to Keep Government Open

February 14, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement after voting in support of the bipartisan funding agreement to keep the government open:

"I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked together and hashed out an agreement that has prevented a second, unnecessary shutdown.

This bill allows us all peace of mind, knowing that we've funded all government departments through the end of September. The bill provides robust funding for infrastructure, border security, and fighting our opioid epidemic. And rejects cuts to important environmental, nutrition, and global aid programs. My colleagues understood that a $5.7 billion border wall would be a huge waste of taxpayer dollars and rejected it, opting for other measures that will truly improve border security.

It is beyond frustrating that our President says he is going to declare a national emergency to get his wall funding. We Americans know what an emergency looks like: wildfires, hurricanes, and the current snowstorm in Washington state. Families seeking asylum are not a national emergency and this an abuse of power.

I want to be very clear that I believe asylum seekers should be treated with respect, dignity and due process. And that the only people who should be detained in jails are criminals. That shouldn't stop us from making the conditions more humane, and I am happy to see significant funding for enhanced medical care and training in this package.

This is what compromise looks like. Everyone has to give a little in order to get to an agreeable solution. And this is why this new class is here. We want the government to be effective, and we are willing to set partisanship aside to get the job done. I'm optimistic that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will continue to work together."