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Congressional Tri-Caucus Statement Calling for Bipartisan Budget Agreement to Prevent Government Shutdown

September 29, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Tri-Caucus—which is comprised of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC)— calls upon House leaders to set forth a bipartisan budget agreement in order to avert another government shutdown in December.

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“This pattern of lurching from crisis to crisis while ignoring the requirements of real, long term budgeting must end. Such reckless governing negatively impacts the most vulnerable in our society, including communities of color, low-income individuals, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. While we will vote this week to avoid another partisan shutdown, I would much prefer to vote on a long term budget that helps American families succeed, puts our country on a secure footing, and restores confidence in our economy. I urge my Republican colleagues to work with us in a bipartisan manner to ensure that we avert another potential shutdown in December and work on real solutions to promote economic growth and restore critical investments in our communities.”

Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-1), CBC Chair:

“While we may likely avert a shutdown this week, we still do not have a long term solution in place. It is extremely problematic for us to move forward in any manner which would cause economic uncertainty in the lives of workers across the country. We need to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure we do not take any action which will negatively impact jobs or economic growth. The American people deserve nothing less.”

Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), CHC Chair:

“The people most hurt during a government shutdown are minority communities. The last shutdown in 2013 cost our economy $24 billion and this year’s looming shutdown puts SNAP benefits at risk for 45 million Americans. Latinos are disproportionately hurt by food insecurity and poverty. Unless we work in a bipartisan manner, we’ll see this rerun again in December. It’s time Republicans stop playing games with the American people and start enacting serious, long-term solutions.”

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