Casten Statement on Republican Government Funding Cuts
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding the House Republican appropriations resolution passed by the House today:
“While I am eager to vote for a government funding bill that keeps the government open through the end of the fiscal year and protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the continuing resolution passed by the House today does nothing of the sort. Instead, it harmfully slashes federal funding for veterans, seniors, and families in my community.
“Since January 20th, thanks to Donald Trump and Elon Musk, we have effectively been in an illegal government shutdown.
“Musk has unlawfully ordered the closure of federal agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, USAID, and soon the Department of Education. He has canceled government grants and contracts and stopped Congressionally appropriated funds to projects in my district. I have heard from many local mayors, religious and community centers, non-profits, and small businesses who cannot access funding previously promised to them by the federal government, all due to Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
“The appropriations resolution brought forth by House Republicans is a disaster for the American people. Among other things, it cuts funding for health care for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and toxic burn pits. It makes it easier for foreign adversaries to build up their nuclear weapons arsenal. It slashes funding for rural broadband, election security, and disease research.
“The resolution passed by the House serves only to further empower Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which is why I voted No.”
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