FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Chair-elect of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement:

“I am relieved to say we were able to avoid a government shutdown that would have had devastating consequences on Brooklyn communities and countless others across the nation. House Democrats secured $4.2 billion in critically needed disaster relief funding for New York, protected the safety nets of our veterans, seniors, and small business owners who count on federal agency services, and ensured essential workers like our TSA agents are not left without pay during the holiday season.

“However, the process that brought us to this point is deeply troubling. Congress cannot serve as an effective legislative body if months of bipartisan negotiations can be undone in an instant by the social media posts of unelected billionaires. House Republicans cannot be relied upon as dependable partners if they abandon their agreements and principles based on the ever-changing whims of their masters.

“While today’s crisis of the GOP’s making has been resolved, this debacle must serve as a warning of dysfunction to come in the 119th Congress. Despite whatever chaos lies on the road ahead, Democrats will remain united in our opposition to their schemes and in service to our constituents.”

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