Rep. Courtney Votes to Avert Harmful, Costly Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after voting for a short-term spending package that allows the federal government to remain open.

“Today, I voted to extend federal funding and avert a harmful and costly government shutdown. In eastern Connecticut, the short-term spending bill will ensure that federal employees, including roughly 9,000 sailors and officers at the Groton submarine base, will not have their pay disrupted, as well the Coast Guard Academy personnel in New London. Their important work will continue uninterrupted.

“Importantly, this package includes $2.2 billion for the Columbia-class submarine program, which is underway in Groton, Connecticut. Uninterrupted funding for the Columbia program is a critical exception for what the Navy has repeatedly described as its number one acquisition priority. Its urgency is being driven by the need to replace the aging Ohio class submarines that have been on continuous patrol for over forty years, longer than its projected hull life.  This carveout will allow this replacement program to stay on schedule with no delays caused by gaps in procurement. Staying on schedule will maintain our sea-based strategic deterrence and ensure the safety of our submariners.

“This short-term spending package will also allow House leadership to continue negotiations to finalize a full fiscal year budget which is urgently needed to meet the needs of all Americans and safeguard our nation. House Republican leadership must put infighting aside and allow the established, bipartisan coalition do the work of the American people.”

###