September 30, 2023 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after voting on a continuing resolution to fund the government and avert a shutdown: “Today, the House did the right thing, which it could have done and should have done weeks ago. Opposed by ninety House Republicans, this crucial legislation to avert a shutdown would never have passed without the support of House Democrats. Had the House Majority acted faster, we could have avoided the angst and vitriol of the past few weeks and preserved greater confidence in our democracy. The Republican Party's longstanding policy of using government shutdowns as a cudgel to advance extreme policies is dangerous and costly. I am relieved that the House advanced a bipartisan solution that, with Senate passage, would spare the American people from having to deal with the severe consequences of that tactic. “I am deeply disappointed that this continuing resolution did not include further aid for our ally, Ukraine. In September, the House held seven votes to approve that vital funding to Ukraine. Each time, more than 300 House Members voted in favor. This ought to be a nonpartisan issue and ought to have been addressed in the continuing resolution today. Congress must take swift action to ensure that Ukraine receives the aid it needs to succeed on the battlefield during this crucial stage in the war. A failure to do so would embolden Vladimir Putin and other enemies of freedom around the world. Instead, we must show them that we stand united in our defense of democracy and will do whatever it takes to protect our values.”