Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch issued the following statements today after voting against final passage of H.J.Res.124, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2015:

“For far too long, Congress has neglected the critical budget and appropriations process, becoming almost solely reliant on irresponsible stop-gap measures,” said Crapo.  “With our national debt exceeding $17 trillion, Congress can no longer shirk its responsibility to make the hard decisions and fulfill this important function of our federal government.  Allowing funding for federal programs to go unchecked year after year diminishes Congress’ oversight responsibilities and worsens our deteriorating fiscal picture. We must take substantive action now to develop a comprehensive strategy to address our fiscal problems, while also meeting federal responsibilities.  As a nation, we cannot afford to maintain this dangerous status quo.”                                                                                                                            

“This bill spends too much, borrows too much and taxes too much,” said Risch.  “We borrow $2.5 billion every day that our children and grandchildren will have to repay.  I cannot in good conscience support it without even an attempt to fix the problem.”