U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) released the following statement in regards to the Continuing Resolution:

“Republicans acted today to continue to cut researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center, educate fewer students in Head Start, furlough mental health counselors at MacDill Air Force Base, stress the federal courts and law enforcement, and squeeze Meals on Wheels.  It is clear now that Republicans will not relent on the irrational sequester cuts despite continuing job losses.

Even more dangerous is the broad economic damage House Republicans will inflict as they proceed on this course.  Instead of focusing on the priorities of the middle class and main street America, Speaker Boehner surrendered the gavel to Tea Party Republicans who want to shut down government in order score ideological points.

Democrats have offered an alternative, a responsible budget solution that would replace the devastating sequester cuts, set funding for FY 2014 at the agreed-upon level in the Budget Control Act, and keep the government open and working for the American people. The House Democratic plan creates jobs, expands the economy, and reduces the deficit in a balanced way. 

Our neighbors and businesses cannot afford another GOP-manufactured crisis.  I urge my Republican colleagues to join Democrats in working to create jobs, reduce the deficit, and strengthen the middle class.”

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