WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted on legislation that failed to address critical priorities.
"The American people are frustrated and angry with how broken Congress is. They are tired of Congress ignoring life-threatening issues, refusing to listen to them, and repeatedly failing to accomplish its most basic, fundamental responsibilities in a timely manner. They have consistently made their frustrations loud and clear.
"Unfortunately, Congress isn't getting the message and continues to live up to every single one of their low expectations. Today is the latest indication that nothing has changed after the House passed a massive, 2,232 page spending bill, less than 24 hours after releasing it, that fails to protect 800,000 Dreamers, fails to stabilize the health care system, fails to safeguard the solvency of our broken pension system, and fails to address gun violence reform in any meaningful way. Dreamers will add $460 billion to our economy over the next decade and failing to protect them is as cruel as it is economically destructive. These are all serious life and death issues that jeopardize the health, safety, and well-being of Americans in every congressional district across the country.
"It is particularly shameful that Congress passed this bill after a nationwide protest demanding change from our nation's youth. I continue to be inspired by young people across the country taking a stand for gun violence reform to ensure that they can live and learn free from the threat of violence in their schools and in their communities. Congress not only failed to do anything meaningful that wasn't already rubber-stamped by the NRA, but also passed a government funding bill six months late. Every grade-schooler across the country has the common sense to know that effort deserves a failing grade.
"This bill does not represent responsible governing that is responsive to the needs of the American people. I could not in good conscience support and endorse secretive, closed-door meetings, a total lack of input from our constituents, and a bill that does not address issues that are causing so much pain, uncertainty, and fear in our country. That is not what I have heard New Mexicans want and that is not what they deserve.
"I voted no because we have to change the way we do business in Congress. If we don't take a stand, nothing will ever change, and the American people will continue to suffer with the result, just as they have here."