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Pelosi Statement on Passage of the Republican 'So Be It' Spending Bill

February 19, 2011

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

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the House voted to pass the Republicans’ Continuing Resolution (CR), which would fund federal government operations through the end of this fiscal year. The measure was approved by a vote of 235 to 189. All Members of the Democratic Caucus present voted against the legislation.

“The Republican spending bill destroys jobs and their reaction is ‘so be it.’ Democrats have a different message: ‘show us the jobs.’

“Congressional Republicans have spent the last six weeks ignoring jobs and refusing to offer a plan to grow our economy. Today, they have made matters worse – passing a spending bill that destroys jobs, weakens the middle class, hurts schools and young adults, eliminates assistance to homeless veterans, and diminishes critical investments in our future.

“The American people deserve better. That’s why Democrats have introduced a short-term extension of the current CR, which would continue the freeze in government spending and allow Congress to complete work on FY 2011 appropriations without denying Americans vital services. I am hopeful Republican leaders will agree to a short term extension of the freeze as we work to pass a bill the President can sign into law for the remainder of 2011.”