Warner, Kaine comment on budget vote

The U.S. Senate voted 73-26 Wednesday to adopt a stopgap appropriations bill that will fund the federal government for the next six months – and avoid a government shutdown.

Virginia’s two senators, Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, voted in favor of the bill.

“This legislation provides commonsense flexibility to make smarter budget decisions, and it eliminates the risk of a government-wide shut down next week,” Warner said in a statement. “It was adopted on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 73-26.   In coming weeks, as the Pentagon and other federal agencies  make important decisions about spending priorities that are impacted by sequester, I will continue to advocate for Virginia’s unique and important role in supporting the nation’s military and government operations.”

“Passing government funding through the end of the fiscal year and averting yet another crisis at the end of the month is a responsible decision and another sign that both parties are ready to embrace an orderly process,” Kaine said in a statement. “It’s good for the United States, it’s good for Virginia and it represents a move to forward looking budgeting. I am particularly encouraged by the full appropriations that were included for defense and military construction, providing some relief for Virginia shipyard workers.

“After unfortunate delays in construction and maintenance, this will allow shipyards to move forward with construction and repairs to facilities including the USS Roosevelt and the USS Lincoln. I was also pleased the bill reinstates tuition assistance for the men and women in our military that was put in jeopardy due to the sequester.

“We cannot continue to make spending decisions based on priorities of the past. I look forward to our next chance to put the old governing by crisis playbook to rest with consideration of a full fiscal year 2014 budget beginning today,” Kaine said.