Minority Whip Says Short-Term Resolutions Are Demoralizing

By Rachel Whitt

At a sit down with reporters on Tuesday, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) vigorously opposed continuing to fund the government in short-term, fourteen day increments.

“Funding government on fourteen day increments,” Hoyer said. “Is an inefficient, unproductive, demoralizing, unacceptable way to run the largest enterprise in he world.” 

If Congress is unable to pass adequate funding legislation by Friday, March 4th, the government will have to close its doors until an agreement can be reached. 

On Monday, the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) introduced a continuing resolution. His proposal would continue funding government operations but would eliminate earmarked funding and cut $4 billion from some federal programs. 

Hoyer reiterated his party’s stance to cut F.Y. 2011 funds from both discretionary and non-descretionary spending. 

“As long as we save [mandatory spending] from serious consideration,” Hoyer said. “We will not get to where we need to be.”

Tuesday afternoon the House of Representatives will continue debating further continuing appropriations amendments.