McCollum Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives reached an agreement on a deal that would provide relief from the need to raise our nation’s debt ceiling until 2017 and lays the groundwork for a budget agreement that lifts the caps on defense and discretionary spending. The bill also solves critical issues regarding Medicare Part B recipients and Social Security Disability Insurance.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement regarding that vote:

“For months House Republicans have had us on a path to a government shut down and defaulting on our nation’s debt, potentially catastrophic events for middle class families and our nation’s economy. This bipartisan agreement circumvents the irresponsible and dangerous stranglehold imposed by Tea Party extremists, prevents chaos in the economy, and allows for stable investments in domestic programs and national defense. This is a good and responsible agreement which has my support. It also prevents a large, painful Medicare Part B premium increase.

“Today’s passage of a budget deal, along with the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank yesterday, shows that the American people are well served when Republicans and Democrats work through their differences and achieve compromise. The American people are the winners today with this bipartisan agreement.”