Linda Sánchez on Omnibus Budget Bill: “Far From Perfect” (1.15.14)

Washington, DC- Congresswoman Linda Sánchez released the following statement today after the House passed an omnibus budget bill that funds government agencies for FY2014:

"Today's budget agreement remedies some of the disastrous sequester cuts, avoids another potential government shutdown, and provides a minimum amount of certainty for our markets and economy," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "It fully funds programs like SNAP and Head Start and restores some dignity to our disabled veterans by re-establishing cost-of-living adjustments to their pensions.

However, today's bill was far from perfect. It was rushed without giving members enough time to advocate for their district priorities. Local municipalities in my district will be affected by cuts to the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). With tight budgets and diminishing resources, a $278 million cut to the CDBG will make it harder for cities to conduct community development projects.

Furthermore, the omnibus bill left 1.5 million American workers out in the cold. Without an extension of unemployment insurance benefits, millions across the country will continue to struggle to make ends meet because Republicans could not summon the courage to allow for an extension.

With a budget completed, I hope Congress gets serious about tackling some of the other big issues at hand- including, unemployment insurance benefits, comprehensive immigration reform, and tax reform."

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