Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Avert Shutdown

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running through early 2024.

“Keeping our government open and pursuing national objectives is one of our most basic responsibilities as lawmakers. And while I’m disappointed with yet another short-term continuing resolution, I’m glad to see House Republicans take a step back from the brink in holding our government hostage. This legislation will prevent, at least for now, economic uncertainty and disruptions to vital services that Americans count on while ensuring our federal workers and servicemembers are paid. Just as the passage of this measure was bipartisan, our work to pass funding legislation for the rest of fiscal year 2024 and address our urgent national security obligations must also be bipartisan. Over the next several weeks, we must work together to responsibly fund our FY24 domestic priorities, provide critical military assistance to the people of Ukraine, support Israel’s defense needs, and extend desperately needed humanitarian aid to areas in critical need – including to civilians in Gaza. The American people and our allies around the world are watching – and counting on us to get this done.”