WASHINGTON, D.C.— House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the House passed a funding bill to fund the government through February 8, after Senate Democrats finally decided to reopen the government, three days after voting to shut it down. Today’s vote comes after the House first voted to keep the government running last Thursday, ahead of the shutdown deadline.
“I am glad the House once again voted to carry out our duties to responsibly fund the government, provide for our men and women in uniform, and renew the children’s health program for six more years.
“It’s unfortunate that Chuck Schumer led an effort to hold our troops and a health program for children hostage in favor of a fool’s errand to give amnesty to illegal immigrants. Today, Senate Democrats finally ended their charade and joined Republicans to pass the House Republicans’ bill to open the government back up to pay our men and women in uniform, and provide a long-term continuation of the Children’s Health Program (CHIP) to provide health care to nearly 9 million low-income children, including over 161,000 children in Louisiana.”