SE Valley Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a united effort to prevent a government shutdown, Rep. Greg Stanton and members of the moderate New Democrat Coalition have sent a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy urging him to urgently advance bipartisan government funding bills. The letter emphasizes the need for legislation that aligns with the Senate's proposals and the bipartisan debt ceiling agreement negotiated earlier this year.

The New Dems, including Stanton, are calling for swift action to avert a government shutdown by passing bipartisan legislation that includes President Biden's supplemental funding requests. These requests include $4 billion to secure the border and streamline immigration processes, as well as nearly $800 million to address the flow of illicit fentanyl into the United States—two issues that Stanton has been actively advocating for in the House.

Rep. Stanton, a Member of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, stated, "We urge you to reject the hyperpartisan approach and focus on passing government funding legislation that can actually become law. As Members of Congress, our most basic duty is to keep the government running. Once again, as we face the looming deadline of September 30, we stand ready to work on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to uphold our responsibilities as lawmakers and ensure our government works on behalf of our constituents."

The New Dems' letter highlights the importance of finding common ground and funding the federal government to deliver for the American people. It criticizes the House majority for disregarding the May agreement on the debt ceiling and failing to ensure the uninterrupted operations of the government. The letter also points out the stark contrast between the Senate's bipartisan approach in passing all 12 appropriations bills and the House Appropriations Committee's strictly partisan process.

The New Dems are urging Speaker McCarthy to bring bipartisan bills similar to those passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote on the House Floor. They emphasize the need for government funding legislation that has a realistic chance of becoming law and express concern over proposed funding cuts to critical federal programs.

In addition to urging swift action on government funding, the New Dems are calling for the House to consider legislation to avert a government shutdown and include President Biden's supplemental appropriations request. They also emphasize the importance of passing extensions for critical federal programs set to expire.

As the September 30 deadline approaches, Rep. Stanton and the New Democrat Coalition are committed to working on