Pennsylvania’s leaders have different opinions on the bill that was passed by Congress on Thursday that keeps the government open and avoids another government shutdown.
U.S. Congressman Mike Kelly, of Butler, voted ‘no’ on the measure, saying he believed the process was more “focused on politics than sound fiscal policy.”
“I could not in good conscience vote for this bill,” Rep Kelly said in a statement. “President Trump has been fighting to do what’s best for our country—that is, secure our nation’s borders. Unfortunately, Democrats were more concerned with preventing the President from keeping his promise to the American people to stop illegal immigration. Democrats have repeatedly treated the safety and security of Americans as a political football. This so-called compromise was not enough to accomplish these important security needs and this bill contains far more than just border security provisions. It is our job as lawmakers to read and understand the legislation we are asked to pass on behalf of our constituents. All that we can determine with less than 24 hours’ notice is that the process is broken and that the bill would continue our reckless spending.”
U.S. Senator Bob Casey said the bipartisan agreement “will keep the government open and invest in effective border security, instead of funding President Trump’s wall, which security experts say will not work.”
He added…”President Trump’s national emergency declaration is a complete abuse of power. No President can be allowed to spend taxpayer dollars without authorization from Congress.”