Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Republican Leader Designee/Rules Committee Member to the Budget Committee, released the following statement after voting against S. Con. Res. 5.
"Even though Groundhog Day happened a few days ago, we are experiencing it here in the People’s House. Just two days ago we voted on this measure, but since the Senate version is slightly different, we had to vote again. So again, I ask, ‘what was the rush? Why did we have to circumvent the Budget Committee? Why could we not take the time and work together in a bipartisan manner to produce a piece of legislation that will actually help the American people? Last Congress, we wasted time with partisan fights, and it looks like this Congress we are set to do the same," said Burgess.
"For the first time since 1974 when the budget process was established, Congress has now twice in one week bypassed the Budget Committee and gone straight to the floor with a budget resolution. Barely a month ago, Congress passed a $900 billion Coronavirus relief package. Combined with previous relief packages, there remains $1 trillion in unspent funding. If we had gone through the committee process, we would have been able to assess how much additional funding was needed instead of just increasing the deficit and not adequately addressing the needs of those affected by this pandemic.
"It is past time for Congress to return to regular order and recommit to doing the work of the people."
