Representative Mike Kelly Votes to Avoid Government Shutdown, Save Taxpayer Dollars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                Contact: Julia Thornton

February 17, 2011                                                                                             202-225-5406

Representative Mike Kelly Votes to Avoid Government Shutdown, Save Taxpayer Dollars 

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) voted to pass a short term continuing resolution (CR) that would provide funds to keep the government open through March 11, averting a government shutdown and allowing more time for the Senate to debate the year-long CR passed by the House last month. Today’s bill, which passed by a vote of 355-91, would not only keep the government open for the next two weeks, but would reduce spending in the process. The measure includes $1.24 billion in program cuts and terminations that both House Republicans and President Obama have targeted for savings, as well as $2.7 billion in cuts to earmark slush funds.

“The era of out-of-control government spending needs to end, and today’s vote is an encouraging sign that the end is not only possible, it’s also near,” said Rep. Kelly. “I commend the 104 Democrats who joined House Republicans today to show the American people that we are serious about our nation’s $14 trillion debt and the threat it presents to our national and economic security. Our economy simply cannot grow and create jobs if the government continues to operate at the current and unsustainable level of deficit spending.

“If the Senate and President Obama support today’s measure, we will be able to save American taxpayers over $4 billion in just two weeks alone. That’s an important first step toward getting our financial house in order, but it’s only the beginning. We can and will do more.

“A report released today by the Government Accountability Office uncovered billions of dollars of wasteful and duplicative spending throughout the entire government. We have an opportunity right now to reform and streamline our government, and I hope today was the first of many bi-partisan efforts to make government more accountable to the people it serves. Families and businesses all across the country have learned to live within their means; it’s time for government to do the same.”

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