Pelosi Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2055, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which will fund the federal government through the remain of FY 2012:

“Today, the House came together in a spirit of compromise to keep the doors of the federal government open.

“With strong leadership and determination, Democrats beat back most Republican riders to eliminate critical initiatives and undermine the health and economic security of our nation. Through our efforts, Democrats helped uphold our firm commitments to all Americans: to invest in the education of our children and protect the health of our families; to defend the rights of consumers; to preserve our environment; to spur our economy through job training and innovation.

“This agreement is far from perfect: it includes provisions that fall short of the best values of our country, and we will come back to fight those battles on another day. It is also a shame that another made-up crisis forced Congress to the brink of a shutdown before we acted. Yet, we are grateful to Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Norm Dicks and all Democratic appropriators for staying at the table, striking a deal, and moving the ball forward.

“Now, it is time for Republicans to remain at the negotiating table to extend the payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans and unemployment benefits for those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. We must not recess for the holidays until we get the job done. We must act to strengthen our economy, our middle class, and our future.”

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