Poliquin to Vote Again to Fund Government and Avert a Shutdown, Including Fully Funding Our Military

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), who voted to avert the last government shutdown, reiterated his opposition today to shutting down the federal government. The House expects to take up legislation today to extend funding for the federal government and to fully fund the military for the rest of the year, including a 2.4% pay raise for our troops.  Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:

“While I’m increasingly frustrated with passing temporary funding bills instead of long-term legislation, a government shutdown is simply unacceptable,” said Congressman Poliquin. “It’s especially important that our men and women in the military have the support they need and I’m pleased that will be included.”

Today’s measure will extend funding for the government while also fully funding the Department of Defense for 2018, which includes a 2.4% pay raise for our troops and extremely critical upgrades in national defense and military readiness. It is a nearly identical bill to the one Congressman Poliquin voted on last week (H.R. 695).

Congressman Poliquin voted to avert the last government shutdown and refused pay during the days that the government did shutdown, instead donating the money to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, a statewide charity in Maine.

In September 2015, as a government shutdown seemed to be possible, Congressman Poliquin joined a letter urging for the government to be funded. The national news publication POLITICO reported at the time the letter joined a “chorus of moderate GOP voices” urging opposition to a government shutdown.