Dear Colleague on the Government Funding Process

September 9, 2024

Dear Colleague:

I write to discuss the upcoming legislative work period as we approach the beginning of a new fiscal year on October 1, 2024.

From the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have made clear that we will find bipartisan common ground on any issue with our Republican colleagues whenever possible, while pushing back against MAGA extremism whenever necessary. On issue after issue, we have repeatedly been compelled to govern as if we are in the majority while currently serving in the minority. In that regard, House Democrats have consistently put people over politics.

Last spring, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act, reached negotiated funding levels for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and agreed not to include partisan policy changes in any appropriations legislation. Unfortunately, House Republicans are nevertheless recklessly threatening to shut down the government in a matter of weeks.

Despite the existence of a previously agreed upon spending framework, extreme MAGA Republicans have decided to abandon their commitment to the American people in order to enact Trump's Project 2025 agenda. On behalf of everyday Americans, House Democrats will not accept harmful cuts to our military readiness, children and veterans or right-wing policy changes that are inconsistent with the Bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The partisan and extreme continuing resolution put forth by House Republicans is unserious and unacceptable. In order to avert a GOP-driven government shutdown that will hurt everyday Americans, Congress must pass a short-term continuing resolution that will permit us to complete the appropriations process during this calendar year and is free of partisan policy changes inspired by Trump's Project 2025. There is no other viable path forward that protects the health, safety and economic well-being of hardworking American taxpayers.

Thank you for your unity of purpose and continued leadership.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries

Democratic Leader

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