WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) voted "no" on H.R. 4378 – Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020.
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome. Ten years of passing continuing resolutions (CRs) to fund the government has led to wasted taxpayer money and government inefficiencies; yet today, we voted again to budget by crisis. Under a CR, our military is unable to properly budget, leading to insufficient training, unmaintained equipment, and decreased readiness. As global threats are increasing, our defense budget stands still. We continue to ask more and more of our men and women in uniform, and we in Congress must do our part to ensure they have the tools they need to be successful.
“Another CR is a short-term solution to a long-term problem and is simply something I could not support. Passing CRs is an abdication of Congress’ duties and responsibilities. The House should have stayed in Washington during August, as I requested, to work on legislation to complete the appropriations process. Going into Fiscal Year 2020 we have a chance to get back to regular order in the budget process. I remain committed to providing a path of fiscal certainty for our armed services and government agencies,” Wittman said.
Congressman Wittman is the leading voice for increasing Congressional accountability. For years Congressman Wittman has introduced the No Budget No Pay Act that says if Congress doesn’t pass a budget on time Members don’t get a paycheck, the Stay on Schedule Resolution that says if Congress doesn’t pass all appropriations bills by July 31, the House should stay in session and continue its work instead of adjourning for August recess, and the Inaction Has Consequences Act that says if Members of Congress do not complete appropriations bills by the end of the fiscal year, they will not receive a paycheck. He believes that we must work for a permanent solution that will provide a path to fiscal certainty for our federal agencies.
The bill funds government operations through November 21, 2019.
