Washington, DC – Congressman Steve Pearce today released the following statement after voting against a package that irresponsibly included an extension of the debt limit and a Continuing Resolution to disaster relief funds for Harvey and Irma:

"First and foremost, I fully support funding the recovery and rebuilding efforts for the people and families impacted by Hurricane Harvey and Irma. However, this important aid package should not have been connected to a suspension of the debt-limit and a short term continuing resolution.

Just as businesses and families should live within their means, so should the federal government. By suspending the debt limit for three months, Congress is irresponsibly allowing uncertainty into our nation's financial market and economy. I could not in good conscience vote for a package that merely ignores our nation's debt for another three months.

The package also contains a three-month continuing resolution, which fails to provide certainty across the government. I have been working tirelessly to ensure New Mexicans have the opportunities to earn success, but we cannot expect businesses and our nation's military to accomplish their missions under this sort of uncertainty. The Senate should follow the House's lead by working to complete the appropriations process so we are not forced to survive on these reckless short-term measures.

By playing politics with emergency aid funding, Congress is taking action without a thought-out plan. I will continue working with my colleagues and the Administration to find solutions that will encourage job growth and provide greater opportunities for our state and nation to thrive."

Background
On September 6, 2017, Rep. Steve Pearce voted to pass emergency aid funding for the communities affected by Hurricane Harvey and potential effects of Hurricane Irma.