REP. MIKE THOMPSON VOTES TO PASS BIPARTISAN BUDGET DEAL

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) today voted in favor of House Joint Resolution 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. This legislation is a result of the deal struck by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA). The legislation sets concrete spending levels for the next two fiscal years and partially replaces across-the-board sequestration cuts mandated by the 2011 Budget Control Act.

"This bipartisan budget deal doesn't include everything I want, nor does it include everything Republicans want. It's a compromise and both sides had to give," said Thompson. "While this deal is far from perfect, it provides our country with fiscal stability, allowing us to avert another costly government shutdown, and it eases the job-killing, across the board sequestration cuts. Now we need to build on this modest compromise and focus on finding a long-term budget solution that lowers our debt and deficit by creating jobs, growing our economy, cutting spending, and requiring everyone to pay their fair share."

"We also need to extend unemployment insurance since the House Majority refused to include an extension in today's budget deal," Thompson continued. "Cutting off these benefits hurts families, is bad for our communities and our economy. That is why I have co-authored separate legislation extending these important benefits for one year."

The resolution passed by a bipartisan vote of 332-94. It now goes to the Senate where it is expected to be voted on next week.


Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.

# # #