FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE – April 1, 2011

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NUNNELEE:  Senator Reid - Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss) made the following statement on the House floor, urging the United States Senate act before the current stopgap spending measure expires on April 8, 2011.  Today the House passed H.R. 1255, The Government Shutdown Prevention Act, which provides that should the Senate fail to act by April 6, H.R.  1 (as passed by the House on February 19, 2011) becomes law.

 “I rise in support of this bill as a cosponsor. It has been over 40 days and the Democratic Leadership has failed to act on a spending plan. If our government shuts down, our troops won’t get paid – but they will still be serving this great nation. We need to ensure there are no political burdens that affect our troops while at war, as the Department of Defense indicated that a funding lapse does impact the military’s operational readiness.

The American people cannot wait.  Congress cannot wait. 

The Democrats in the Senate continue to play politics. We have given them ample time to put forth a reasonable plan, yet the Majority Leader in the Senate is not serious about spending reform. While Democrats have been cheering for a government shutdown, Republicans have passed the largest spending cuts in the history of our country, and our commitment to cut spending is achieving results.

Just this morning, it was reported that our unemployment rate was at a two year low. Americans are going back to work because of our efforts. Meanwhile, what’s happened this week?  The Senate Democrats spent the week trying to figure out how to spin reporters.  And today, while the shutdown is imminent, they’ve gone home.

The cuts the American people want are not “extreme,” they are necessary. When we borrow 42 cents of every dollar, and our children and grandchildren’s future are in jeopardy - these cuts are far from extreme. It is time for Senate to Act. Our goal is to cut spending, not shut down the government.

Back in Mississippi, we have a saying, “lead, follow, or get out of the way”. Mr. Reid – today, you’re in the way.  I challenge you to either lead by coming forward with a plan of your own, follow by adopting the plan we already passed, or if you can’t do either of those – get out of the way and allow the Senate to act.”

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