David Obey: “Mr. Speaker, Let me simply say that I think this bill is very simple. It simply guarantees that the functions of…”

“Mr. Speaker, Let me simply say that I think this bill is very simple. It simply guarantees that the functions of Government will continue and that innocent Federal workers will not, through no fault of their own, be furloughed because the Congress itself has not yet completed its work on appropriation matters. I appreciate very much the flexible attitude of the gentleman from Louisiana. As he knows I was especially concerned yesterday when things appeared to be breaking down, and I am happy that a little frank private talk could resolve those matters in a very short period of time, and I appreciate the gentleman's help on that. Mr. Speaker, I would simply say that, as the gentleman from Louisiana has indicated, this bill creates some additional pressure on both sides, both the White House and the Congress, to finish action on the appropriation bills on which action has not yet been completed, because it contains a spending level which is lower than the level provided for in the budget resolution.”