House Passes Military Spending Bill as Shutdown Looms

A bill to provide funding to the U.S. Department of Defense for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 has passed the United States House of Representatives.

Dacula’s representative in Congress, Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA), issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 1363:

“Today, I joined a bi-partisan group of 247 Representatives in support of funding the U.S. Department of Defense for the remainder of FY2011 by passing H.R. 1363.  This bill ensures that regardless of the outcome of negotiations between the House, Senate, and the President, our military will continue to be paid.  Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Administration and Senate Democrats are leading the way for a government shutdown on Friday, April 8.  That said, H.R. 1363 will protect the livelihoods of those who protect our freedom.”

Woodall said the bill also includes $12 billion in additional budget cuts.  

“I urge my colleagues in the Senate to rapidly pass H.R. 1363 and encourage the President to sign the bill into law immediately,” Woodall said.  “Failure on the part of our Administration to fund our troops would be unconscionable.  The lives and financial health of our military should not be a political tool for the President to use in negotiations over our nation’s future.  I am proud of the leadership shown in the House on this issue, and I will continue to fight each and every day for our brave men and women in uniform and their families.”

Woodall’s Seventh District includes all of Barrow and Walton counties, most of Gwinnett County, and portions of Forsyth and Newton counties.