[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ANOTHER CONTINUING RESOLUTION

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I reluctantly voted for another 
Continuing Resolution to ensure funding for government programs in 
Fiscal Year 2015. It's a low bar and a sad metric when preventing 
another government shutdown is hailed as an accomplishment. What 
Congress needs to be doing--and what the American public deserves--is a 
return to regular order instead of governing on autopilot. We should 
pass all 12 of our appropriations bills because Congress needs to make 
thoughtful changes to our spending so they reflect the challenges and 
priorities of the day.
  There were some encouraging exceptions. Through this CR, Congress was 
able to provide a short-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, 
which supports 1.2 million jobs in the U.S., and financing for over 
3,400 of America's small-business exporters. While it's important that 
it not expire, a nine month extension restricts the ability to finance 
importance large and long-term projects. Oregon's businesses looking to 
reach new markets abroad deserve real help. Also included in the CR is 
critical funding for the Centers for Disease Control and HHS's 
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to respond to 
the Ebola outbreak. Close to home, it provides increased funding so 
that we can make further progress on the VA claims backlog.
  The final CR also includes an amendment that would provide the 
President with the limited and narrow authority he needs to address the 
atrocities perpetrated by ISIS in Iraq and Syria. My statement on the 
House floor and the Website explains why I felt it critical to support 
this amendment.

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