Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) expressed his disappointment today as 21 House Republicans joined Democrats in voting against H.R. 5525, a bill aimed at cutting spending, securing the border, and keeping the government open.

In a statement, Rutherford criticized these "rogue Republicans" for their decision, stating, "Today, instead of shutting down our southern border, 21 rogue Republicans led Democrats in a vote to shut down the government, shut down historic spending cuts, shut down paying our servicemembers, and shut down our economy. A government shutdown not only is an irresponsible dereliction of duty, shutting down the government wastes billions in taxpayer dollars and economic impacts."

Rutherford emphasized the importance of Speaker McCarthy's proposed short-term stopgap funding bill, which would have funded the government through October 31st with a 30 percent reduction in nondefense discretionary spending. This bill aimed to secure the border, remove dangerous criminals entering the country illegally, and fund Republican priorities outlined in H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. Additionally, the bill aimed to establish a Fiscal Commission focused on debt reduction to address the nation's $33 trillion debt.

However, the 21 Republican members chose to side with President Biden, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries by voting against the bill. Some of the notable Republicans who voted against the bill include Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01), and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

Rutherford concluded his statement by reiterating the negative consequences of a government shutdown, emphasizing the wastage of taxpayer dollars and the detrimental impact on the economy.

For more information, please visit https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5525.