Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Thursday that Republicans need to “get real” about a spending bill.
“Republicans have had months to come up with solutions for a number of things that affect families across this country, and it’s so frustrating they are trying to punt on this yet again,” Murray said in a statement. “It’s past time for this Republican Congress to actually work with Democrats and offer a serious bill.”
The House approved the spending bill 230-197 late Thursday to extend funding through Feb. 16. Without Senate approval, many federal government functions will shut down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, voted in favor of the spending bill. Her spokesperson, Angeline Riesterer, said Herrera Beutler would rather vote on a long-term funding solution.
“(But) Jaime’s relieved that a six-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program she’s been fighting for is included in this legislation,” Riesterer said.
CHIP funding was extended in the December temporary funding bill but needs further action to continue. About 9 million uninsured children rely on the funds for health care coverage, including 52,000 in Washington and nearly 4,000 in Clark County.
The spokesperson for Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Bryan Watt, said Republicans have had 110 days to address CHIP funding and have failed to do so despite having a majority in both branches of Congress.
Cantwell has not yet pledged to vote against the bill if it comes before the Senate. She did, however, vote against the last temporary spending bill.
“Republicans cannot continue to kick the can down the road on important national priorities,” Watt added.
