Montana’s three D.C. lawmakers — U.S. Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester and Rep. Steve Daines — issued statements following approved legislation reopening the federal government after 16 days and avoiding the threatening national default.
Here are the statements:
U.S. Sen. Max Baucus
“This deal is long overdue, and I am eager to see it signed into law, so our parks and public lands can reopen, our 12,000 Montana federal employees can get back to work, and Congress can focus on things that create jobs, like the Farm Bill. This shutdown never should have happened. Fighting in Washington is worse than I’ve ever seen it, and folks at home are getting hurt. Enough is enough. Montanans deserve better. Working families and small businesses can’t afford to go through this same fight all over again in a couple months. Congress needs to remember who we work for and start putting people ahead of politics.”
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
“I’m relieved that common sense has finally prevailed and we are able to reopen the federal government and pay our nation’s bills. I hope that in the future we can continue to have serious conversations about our nation’s debt and deficit without a minority of members of Congress holding our nation and the economy hostage.”
U.S. Rep. Steve Daines
“I am pleased that the government will reopen tomorrow and that we’ve postponed the debt ceiling crisis, while also retaining the largest spending cuts in a generation and preventing individuals from fraudulently receiving Obamacare subsidies. However, as I’ve talked with the people of Montana, it’s clear that another band-aid is not the solution to our country’s long term fiscal problems. The government needs to reopen, and we can’t risk default on our obligations. But I am deeply frustrated that this vote virtually guarantees that in just a few short months, we’ll be back at square one, facing another debt ceiling crisis. This was a missed opportunity to address our nation’s debt crisis and engage in a much-needed conversation about long-term reforms and real solutions that deal with our spending and balance the budget.
“When the people of Montana elected me as their voice in Congress, I promised them that I would work to solve the tough problems facing our country, and I remain focused on these goals. Montanans want long-term reforms and real solutions, not more of Washington’s persistent failures to resolve its spending addiction. Going forward, my objectives will remain the same: repeal Obamacare, oppose tax increases and curb federal spending.”