Rep. Calvert Votes to Keep Government Open

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority of the House (277 to 151) to fund federal government agencies through December 11, 2015.

"My constituents expect Congress to pay our troops, provide for our veterans, keep our national parks open, and fund our federal agencies," said Rep. Calvert. "While I strongly prefer funding our government through a regular appropriations process, Senate Democrats have blocked spending bills from moving forward. The obstruction by Senate Democrats now requires Congress to enact a short-term spending bill to keep the government open. Our troops and our vital federal programs deserve better. Sadly we are learning it takes 60 votes in the Senate to do anything."

The Fiscal Year 2016 short-term Continuing Resolution also contained an extension of the authorization for the E-Verify program. The E-Verify program's authorization is set to expire at the end of September.

"Nearly twenty years ago I sponsored the law that established the E-Verify program and I have watched the program grow to become an excellent tool for employers looking to verify the legal status of the workers they hire. We must continue to authorize, fund and, hopefully, make E-Verify mandatory for all employers in the United States."

Additionally, the House approved an enrollment correction directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment by adding the Defund Planned Parenthood Act. The bill added by the enrollment correction provides for a one-year moratorium on all federal funding while the organization's activities are investigated. The enrollment correction will now be sent to the Senate for its consideration. The continuing resolution will move forward to the President.

"I continue to believe that Planned Parenthood should not receive any federal taxpayer dollars for its disturbing practices. Surely Congress can and should provide funding for critical women's health programs without having tax dollars go towards practices that many Americans find objectionable. Sadly, Senate Democrats and President Obama have placed a higher priority on protecting Planned Parenthood, than they have in protecting the unborn. Ultimately, I agree with National Right to Life that the long-term interests of those who value life and oppose Planned Parenthood are better served by avoiding a government shutdown and instead focusing on electing a pro-life President."