Congress votes to end shutdown, avoid debt default
Collins says he could not ‘in good faith’ support the proposal
WASHINGTON – The federal government will reopen and the nation’s bills will be paid after the Senate and House of Representatives both voted today to end a 16-day government shutdown and extend federal borrowing power.
The proposal sailed through the Senate with an 81-18 vote. It was a tighter in the House, passing 285 to 144.
Chris Collins, R-Clarence, was among “no” votes.
He issued this statement following the vote:
“Tonight, the House voted to increase our national debt by over a $300 billon without achieving a single spending cut. I could not, in good faith, vote in favor of this legislation which only adds billions to the credit card bill our children will be left to pay.
“America has a significant and dangerous spending problem that most of Washington is content to ignore.On behalf of my constituents, I will not ignore this fact. Kicking the can down the road is what caused this problem and Washington has to muster the political courage to deal with it for the future of our country.”
