On Saturday, September 30, I voted to pass a stopgap spending bill that would fund the federal government for 45 days. This bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.

This is not the best outcome. Friday, I pushed for and voted in favor of a continuing resolution that would have reduced spending, kept our military whole, made our border more secure, and protected our veterans and seniors.  Unfortunately, 21 Republicans voted with the Democrats to risk our national security, our border security, and our economic security. We could have had a true conservative win. But 21 people put their popularity ahead of their duty.

Their posturing put all of us in a very difficult position. We had to choose between shutting the government or giving our conservative majority more time to pass fiscally responsible appropriations bills. I chose to put my duty ahead of politics.

Before Saturday’s vote, I saw the very specific plan for the House to finish our work on the remaining appropriations bills. These bills follow our conservative principles and will reduce the Democrats’ reckless spending. I will not waiver in my commitment to the people of Northeast Ohio to stand firmly in support of conservative principles, end the reckless spending of Joe Biden and the Democrats, and put America back on the path to sustained security and prosperity.