Congressman Cohen Votes to Avoid Shutdown and Maintain Critical Services and Resources for Memphis Seniors, Children, and Families

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) voted in favor of H.R. 5860, a Continuing Appropriations Act that would extend funding for the federal government through November 17, 2023, and would avert a disastrous government shutdown set to go into effect at midnight tonight. The bill will ensure that seniors, families, children, and others in Memphis will not lose access in October to the federally funded resources they rely on, and that TN-9 servicemembers and federal employees will not be forced to work without pay. The bill passed the House thanks to a bipartisan coalition of Representatives, including Congressman Cohen, by a vote of 335-91. H.R. 5860 will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for swift consideration, and onto the President’s desk for signature.

"Today's vote was a reluctant but necessary action to prevent a government shutdown that would have been disastrous for so many people in Memphis and throughout TN-9,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Speaker and House GOP leadership were never interested in carrying out an actual budget negotiation process, and they turned this into a hostage situation from the very start. As the adults in the room, House Democrats had no option but to ensure that the seniors, families, and servicemembers we represent weren’t the ones left holding the bag. None of them deserved to go without critical benefits, or to work without pay simply because House Republicans don’t know how to govern or lead. It’s disheartening that we had to pass a stop-gap funding bill that lacks crucial funding for our partners in Ukraine, who are fighting with their lives and their blood for democracy and freedom. When this bill forces us back to the negotiating table in November, we must ensure that support for Ukraine is made even stronger. I’m pleased that House Democrats were able to overcome the most extreme elements of the GOP and to keep America open for business, and the Senate should waste no time in passing this bill.”
 

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