U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer joined a group of fellow Republican legislators in issuing a no vote Thursday on a continuous resolution proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)
According to The Washington Post, Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) had originally reached a $1.66 trillion agreement to finance the government for the 2024 fiscal year. Congress, however, has run out of time to pass that particular proposal before federal funding expires on Saturday. As a result, some lawmakers suggested the continuous resolution which ultimately passed Thursday.
Under the new measure, legislators agreed to extend funding for four of 12 annual spending bills through March 1. The remaining eight have a Feb. 2 deadline.
Palmer addressed his no vote on the spending measure in a statement Thursday.
“Unfortunately, this CR continues to spend at the same unsustainable levels have opposed in the past,” he said. “At some point we must confront the reality that we have to reduce spending. I am disappointed we are still passing CRs.
“I will continue to push for sensible spending cuts and sensible fiscal policy.”
The House voted in favor of the continuing resolution by a margin of 314-108. Only two Democrats, Reps. Jakes Auchincloss (Mass.) and Mike Quigley (Ill.) voted against the measure.
Among the state’s congressional delegation, Reps. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) also voted against the bill. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Hayesville), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Dale Strong (R-Monrovia), joined Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell (R-Birmingham) in voting “yes.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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