Heinrich Statement On Agreement To Reopen The Government And Avert Default

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today after voting in favor a bipartisan measure containing an agreement reached by the Democratic and Republican leadership of the Senate to reopen the government and avert default. Under the Senate's bipartisan deal, funding to run the government will be restored through January 15, 2014, and the authority to borrow to pay the nation's existing bills will be extended through February 7, 2014.

"This bipartisan agreement reopens the federal government, averts a default on the nation's obligations, and allows thousands of New Mexicans to return to work. I'm relieved for the New Mexicans who suffered through this crisis. But the sad truth is that this was all avoidable. New Mexicans paid a heavy price because of the reckless and irresponsible antics of a small faction of Tea Party Republicans who were willing to risk economic calamity to get their way.

"Our economy desperately needs long-term stability. I hope that today's agreement, and the willingness shown by reasonable minds to work together, will mark the end of governing by manufactured crises and open the door to broader budget discussions and long-term solutions. Now is the time for Congress to return to what has always been my focus: restoring the middle-class and growing the economy."

The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 81 to 18 and it now goes to the House of Representatives for final passage.