WASHINGTON, DC—As he travelled back to Connecticut upon conclusion of the week’s votes, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) lamented the lack of bipartisanship in Washington following the successful effort by the President, military, and intelligence personnel to eliminate one of America’s greatest enemies. While Americans stood unified in support of the mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden, Congress lost an opportunity to use that goodwill to garner support for the tough decisions required to reduce the deficit and keep the economy growing.
Click here to watch Himes’ floor statement on the votes taken in the House this week.
“At a time when Americans feel more unified than ever, the House Majority continues to push through its ideological policies that have nothing to do with creating jobs or setting our country on a path toward fiscal sustainability,” Himes said. “If we can beat Osama bin Laden, we can conquer our budget and economic problems, but we need to approach those matters with the same type of bipartisan resolve that united us after this victory. We have a window of opportunity that we can’t afford to squander.”
When Congress convened this week, the House Majority continued to pursue its divisive legislative agenda instead of taking the opportunity to reach across the aisle as Congress did after September 11, 2001. It was businesses as usual in Washington this week as the House Majority held votes to undermine women’s health care, eliminate access to health care in schools, and expand tax breaks for oil companies, all while doing nothing that would create jobs or improve the nation’s fiscal situation.
The Week in Review:
Sunday:President Obama announces Osama bin Laden was killed by Navy Seals.
Monday:Congress convenes; Majority holds votes to name a post office and a federal building.
Tuesday: Continuing to only support competition in the marketplace when it suits its ideological goals, the House Majority voted to eliminate funding for the health insurance exchange, the platform that will allow health insurance consumers to pick from a menu of competing plans.
Wednesday:House Majority continues its assault on Wall Street Reform’s consumer financial protections in Financial Services Committee. The Majority then asks the full House to eliminate funding for women’s health care and school-based health centers.
Thursday:House Majority gives more tax breaks to oil companies and expands off-shore drilling, disregarding the need to examine and invest in the clean, alternative energy sources that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create jobs.
Friday:Members of Congress will return to their districts. Himes will visit the Bridgeport Magnet School and Bridgeport International Academy, meet with local legislators, and help kick off a foreclosure assistance program.