Heinrich Statement On Passage Of Bipartisan Budget Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today after voting in favor of a bipartisan budget resolution authored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) that does away with some of the arbitrary spending cuts known as the sequester for two years while reducing long-term spending through other savings:

"It isn't perfect, but this budget agreement means we now have a bipartisan blueprint for how much to spend over the next two years.  This will help avoid another government shutdown and give families and businesses the certainty they need to spend and invest in ways that will help boost the economy. 

"Between sequestration furloughs, a government shutdown, and Congress' inability to compromise, hard-working New Mexicans have had to carry the burdens of economic uncertainty and financial hardship.  And it's clear that all of this has slowed economic growth at a time when too many American families are trying to get back on their feet.

"I hope that the strong support for this budget marks the end of governing by manufactured crises and a return to strengthening the middle class by focusing on what matters to New Mexicans: growing the economy and making sure they get a fair shake at getting ahead."

The Senate approved the measure by a 64 to 36 vote.  The House of Representatives approved it last week by a vote of 332 to 94.  It now goes to the president for his signature.