FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
jrendeiro@nclr.org
(202) 776-1566
Today, Congress voted to pass a bipartisan deal brokered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D–Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R–Ky.) that will fund the government through January 15 at sequestration levels and extend the debt limit until February 7. NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is profoundly relieved that the costly government shutdown has ended and that the country has avoided defaulting on its obligations. However, as Congress heads into the next round of budget negotiations, we implore our lawmakers to restore investments in health, education, housing and workforce programs that are threatened by further painful budget cuts.
“On the eve of a potential economic catastrophe, common sense finally prevailed and our government will get back to work,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “While an immediate crisis was averted, we are still very much concerned about where budget negotiations are headed in the coming months. Sequestration is still the law of the land. Congress must act to prevent a second round of budget cuts that will cost the Hispanic community and many others jobs and cut off access to critical health and education programs.”
In addition to funding the government for the next three months and raising the nation’s borrowing authority, the deal provides a path forward for a budget conference to negotiate larger fiscal issues. Unless an agreement is reached to replace or alter the Budget Control Act, sequestration will remain intact and the next round of deep cuts will take effect after January 15.
“Lawmakers’ approach to reducing the deficit has overwhelmingly relied on spending cuts that hit vulnerable children and low-income communities the hardest,” added Murguía. “Slashing funds for everything from preschool education to small business assistance is an unsustainable way to deal with the budget and threatens families and the overall economy. It’s time for Congress to pass a budget that stops the cuts for good, creates jobs and restores critical investments in our children.”
###