Congresswoman Stansbury Votes to Keep the Government Open, Deliver Emergency Relief, Prevent Catastrophic Default

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) voted for critical legislation that would keep the federal government open, prevent a devastating debt default, secure emergency funding to help communities devastated by natural disasters, and help resettle Afghan refugees fleeing persecution.

The bill would continue essential government services while also preventing default on the federal debt which would have a catastrophic impact on the American economy.

“Today, I voted to keep the federal government open, to fund critical community needs in the wake of numerous natural disasters, including wildfires, droughts, and Hurricane Ida, and to support our Afghan allies,” said Congresswoman Stansbury. “As our economy continues to rebound from the COVID crisis, we can’t afford to derail our economic growth and risk the economic well-being of New Mexico families. The Senate must pass this bill and focus on transformative investments in our communities.”

The bill:

• Secures government funding through December 3rd of this year, ensuring the uninterrupted operations of essential government services and allowing for lawmakers to continue advancing budget priorities for the next fiscal year.
• Delivers emergency funding for urgent priorities, including relief funding for communities devastated by this summer’s record-breaking natural disasters and funding to resettle Afghan refugees after historic evacuation efforts in August.
• Suspends the debt ceiling through December 2022, so that the federal government can continue to meet the financial obligations it has already made, including Social Security and Medicare benefits, services for veterans and paychecks for members of the military.

Over the past decade, Congress has come together and acted on a bipartisan basis every time the debt limit has needed to be addressed. This bill is critical to keeping the government operational and making good on US financial obligations.