Washington, DC—Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 2608, the Continuing Appropriations Act, which will fund the government through November 18, 2011:

“Today I voted for H.R. 2608, the Continuing Appropriations Act, which will fund the government through November 18.  The bill will enable the government to continue to provide many vital services to millions of American families. The bill will protect good-paying American jobs and provide essential emergency disaster relief for families, small businesses and communities.

As families in the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and across the country struggle in the face of a difficult economy, many communities have also endured hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires.  The 7th Congressional District and the State of Alabama were hit hard by the severe storms and tornadoes of April 27, 2011. It is our responsibility in Congress to keep the Federal Government fully functioning for American families.  We must also provide relief to communities in their effort to rebuild from natural disasters.  Unlike the bill I voted against two weeks ago, this bill responsibly provides emergency disaster relief without requiring an unprecedented offset that would have jeopardized American jobs.

I remain committed to responsibly reducing the deficit, but not at the cost of critical programs that provide assistance to the victims of disasters or that service and support our most vulnerable communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop a solution for the 2012 budget that will adequately fund disaster assistance, encourage job creation, reduce our deficit and strengthen the economy and the lives of our children, seniors and families.”

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Contact:   Allison Abney;  (202) 225-2665;  Allison.abney@mail.house.gov