WASHINGTON - Black California Representative Barbara Lee has just released the following statement following her vote against a short-term Republican budget bill that cuts $4 billion in funding to create jobs, invest in education and aid low-and middle-income people:
“Any budget that the House passes should create jobs, invest in our schools and communities, and provide pathways out of poverty. The short-term budget that the House passed today accomplishes none of these goals, and that’s why I voted against it. Republicans want to cut $4 billion in critical funding to millions of people across the nation – particularly those in our neediest and most vulnerable communities. And Republicans were willing to take us to the brink of a government shutdown to get their way.
“I have always believed that budgets are moral documents. This Republican budget ignores the needs of low- and middle-income people who are struggling to make ends meet. It also demonstrates a lack of understanding for how to rebuild our economy. As an appropriator, I remain committed to crafting a budget agreement for the rest of this year that makes sense and prioritizes aid to those most in need of support.”