WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today urged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the United States Senate to pass legislation to fund the federal government for the rest of the year, averting a costly government shutdown.  The House completed their work on February 19, which included $100 billion in savings for the taxpayer, the Senate has yet to even present an alternative to negotiate.

“It’s been almost three weeks since the House brought our proposal to the table, and we’re still sitting here alone because the Senate has refused to make a counter offer.  In that time, we’ve added another $49 billion to the national debt.  Frankly the stakes are too high for the Senate to keep playing political chicken with the House.  We’re ready to sit down and work through our differences, but while the Senate plays political games, there’s no one to negotiate with.”