Alabama delegation split votes for short-term funding bill to avert government shutdown

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The U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term funding bill Wednesday night that averts a looming federal government shutdown on Oct. 1.

The bill, H.R. 5325, passed 342-85 with mixed support from the Alabama delegation — only Alabama Reps. Martha Roby (AL-02)Mike Rogers (AL-03), Robert Aderholt (AL-04) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) voting in favor of the legislation. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Mo Brooks (AL-05) and Gary Palmer (AL-06) voted against the measure.

The bill extends current government funding levels until early December, allowing appropriators time to negotiate 2017 spending priorities. It also provides year-long funding for veterans programs, $1.1 billion to address the Zika virus, and $500 million in emergency flood relief for Louisiana and other states.

Lawmakers now have until Dec. 9 to approve longer-term money.

Here’s what the Alabama delegation is saying about their votes:

Bradley Byrne_NoAlabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne:

Last night, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution government funding bill that runs through December 9th. I voted against the bill because these short-term spending bills are not the right way to run the government. I am hopeful that when Congress returns after the election, there will be a serious effort to pass a full year funding bill that reflects priorities like a strong national defense and important conservative spending reforms.

 Martha Roby_YesAlabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby:
Nothing at this time.

Mike Rogers_YesAlabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers:

Nothing at this time.

Robert Aderholt_YesAlabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt:

Nothing at this time.

Mo Brooks_NoAlabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks:

Nothing at this time.

Gary Palmer_NoAlabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer:

Nothing at this time.

Terri Sewell_YesAlabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:

While I had hoped for a long-term funding solution, this bill provides vital funding for our military infrastructure, housing, and services for men and women in our armed forces and their families.

Additionally, this legislation finally answers the call to address the Zika virus health crisis that has impacted far too many Americans. The funding in the bill will enhance the administration’s efforts to reduce the risk of the virus, particularly in pregnant women, by better controlling the mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus, developing new prevention tools, including vaccines, and better diagnostics to protect Americans from the virus, and conducting crucial research projects needed to better understand the virus’s impact on infants and children.

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