Eva M. Clayton: “after two Government shutdowns and a near default on our obligations, today this House has passed a short- term bill to…”

“after two Government shutdowns and a near default on our obligations, today this House has passed a short- term bill to raise the debt ceiling and to pass a continuing resolution for the work we have not done on four major appropriation bills, bills that contain important funding for domestic programs. It is important that America pay its bills and meet its obligations. It is also important that we do all that we can to keep the Government running. We do not need a third Government shutdown, but we are now almost halfway through the fiscal year and we have done nothing to bring relief from the daily struggles to make ends meet for working families of America. today, once again, the continuing resolution cuts education funding. We want to lead the world in education, but we do not want to provide the resources to do so. Because of what Congress did today, there will be fewer teachers, more crowded classrooms, less money for equipment and supplies, and not as much help for those who need a healthy start or a head start. The answer Congress has been giving to the working families who are working just as hard as ever before is that inflation is low, economic indicators are good, the stock market is rallying, and jobs are on the rise. All of that means nothing to the unemployed father or to the single mother or to the family of four with children in college, or to senior citizens who are now being told their lifetime work has no value.”