Ruppersberger Votes Against Continuing Resolution

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded until the end of the year, but one local lawmaker wasn't among the supporters. 

Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-2nd District) voted against the resolution on the grounds that it would reinforce the abrupt and deep spending cuts he has opposed. 

"Today, for the first time in more than 10 years in Congress, I voted against a continuing resolution because the bill serves only to reinforce the arbitrary across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration for the vast majority of government agencies," Ruppersberger said in a statement. "Sequestration will cost our national economy and our national security."

Ruppersberger represents a portion of Maryland that includes Fort Meade, the military installation currently faced with potential furloughs for civilian workers and cuts to other services. 

Though the house supported the continuing resolution bill, it still requires the support of the Senate and President Obama. Ruppersberger said he hoped that all parties would be able to reach a new budget deal before deep spending cuts begin to have an effect on the economy. 

"I strongly agree that we need significant spending cuts, but it must be done in a strategic, responsible manner," he said. "I am hopeful that, when this bill goes to conference with the Senate, both chambers will be able to resolve our long-term financial challenges while avoiding sequestration.”

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