On the recordSeptember 7, 2017
yesterday, the congressional leadership and the President reached a bipartisan deal on three crucial issues: short-term aid for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, the debt ceiling, and government funding. Alongside the aid package for Texas and Louisiana, the Senate will take up and pass an extension of government funding and the debt ceiling, both to December 15, although that may be modified to December 8, as I understand it. We all agreed to work together to avoid a default in December as well. This is a good agreement for the American people, and everyone should breathe a huge sigh of relief. This agreement takes the threat of a shutdown and default off the table this month and will help us quickly get resources to FEMA and other agencies that are helping with rescue and recovery in the wake of Harvey and that will, in all likelihood, be needed in the wake of Irma as well. The Nation has been clamoring for bipartisanship--for the two parties to work together to do the country's business--rather than to engage in needless brinksmanship. Yesterday's agreement was a ray of hope for both parties coming together on the big issues. Also, let it be a ray of hope that both parties can come together to help the Dreamers. We Democrats have said from the very beginning of this Congress that we are willing to work with our Republican colleagues and the President for the good of the country so long as we do not sacrifice our principles.…





