Rep. Crockett Statement On A Short-Term Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON — Passing a budget is the most important function of the Congress and any legislative body. In the Texas House, I voted against the budget when it did not serve the interests of Texans and the working-class. In Congress, I have supported the budget when it aligned with the needs of our country and when it met the moment. Sadly, the current funding bill championed by Republicans is a slap in the face to hard working Americans, our military and Veterans, and the middle-class.

Republicans are using this Continuing Resolution (CR) as a scapegoat to avoid doing their jobs of actually providing a line-item spending budget. Instead, they are using this CR to slash funding for healthcare, housing, Veterans, lifesaving research and clinical trials to cure cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia and other diseases that have affected every single American family. We all have loved ones who are battling one of these illnesses.

This spending bill is a blank check to Elon Musk signed by the President but paid for by you and me, the middle class, the hard-working people, and American families. This bill does not provide any new money to invest in things that support Americans, keep our neighborhoods safe, and boost the economy. Instead, our tax dollars are being diverted into Elon’s pockets.

American people and companies are struggling and positioning themselves for a recession. They see the writing on the wall and know that Congressional Republicans' spending bill, Trump’s tariffs, and Elon Musk’s unchecked power are going to tank our economy. Every day people are losing their jobs, homes, and ability to feed themselves and their families because of the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans unwillingness to fulfil their oversight responsibilities. People across America are scared and trying to figure out how they are going to survive.

This funding bill is most likely our last opportunity to save the economy from a recession or even worse a depression. This is our last chance to stand up for the pocketbooks of Americans, the middle class, and to keep America safe, healthy, and thriving. This is an inflection point for our country where we either go up or down. The ball is in the Republicans’ court.

While House Republicans decided to cut the legislative session short and go on spring break -- House Democrats and I stand ready to vote on a stopgap bill that prioritizes the real needs of the American people. I applaud Senate Democrats who refused to cave. They made it clear that the Senate did not have the votes. I thank Senate Democrats for standing strong and hope they will continue to do so.

Right now, there is a Trump trifecta – Republicans have the House, Senate and the White House. So, if there is a government shutdown, it is not because of Democrats.

Republicans need to come back and work in good faith with Democrats to finally finish the job of doing actual appropriations and pass a budget which was supposed to be done last September.

Let me be clear, it’s not a question of ‘if I’m ready’. I’ve been and stay ready to work on behalf of the people. It is Congress’ job to make sure American’s hard-earned tax dollars are going back in their pockets and communities, not into the bank accounts of billionaires. So, when Republicans are ready to stop running behind Musk and Trump and start doing their jobs, I am ready to vote for a short-term CR that will fund the government and give Congress time to finish its job – pass a budget.

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