Murkowski on Budget Deal: “Why Did It Take So Long?”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Lisa Murkowski today expressed relief Capitol Hill lawmakers reached an 11th hour budget agreement to keep the federal government running, but questioned the politics of the process, asking “Why did it take so long?”
Weeks of negotiations culminated late Friday night with a deal between the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, and the President – as leadership compromised on a budget for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year containing $39 billion in cuts. They also agreed on a continuing resolution through Thursday with additional cuts while the long-term budget details are worked out.
“While I’m glad the parties got together on a budget, I think I share the same question most Americans have: Why did it take so long?” asked Murkowski. “These conversations could have and should have happened weeks ago, rather than putting hundreds of thousands of Americans’ paychecks at risk.”
“I know that the government governs best that governs the least, but that doesn’t mean we don’t govern at all. Alaska and America deserve better.”
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