Congressman Larson's Statement After Voting Against Republican Spending Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after voting against the Republican spending bill.

"Today, I voted against an irresponsible spending bill that jeopardizes our economic recovery and puts ideology before job creation and protections for American families. Connecticut needs a plan that cuts the deficit, creates jobs, and protects the middle class – not more divisive legislation.

This bill would result in 800,000 private and public sector jobs lost, according the Economic Policy Institute. Beyond that, the bill would hamper long-term economic growth and job creation in Connecticut. It seeks to significantly reduce measures to prevent the reckless behavior on Wall Street that got us into this mess. It cuts funding for critical investments in the roads and rail needed to transport our workforce and products of the future. And it significantly reduces education funding Connecticut students need to compete in the 21st century economy. Up to 72,000 students in our state would see major cuts to their Pell grants and over 1,500 local children would no longer be able to participate in Head Start.

I will continue to fight to ensure that we reduce our deficit in a manner that is responsible and creates jobs.