HIRONO VOTES TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND PAY NATION’S BILLS

Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono voted today to end the government shutdown and pay the nation’s bills.

“It should be clear that dysfunction is not the proper way to govern. We cannot continue to lurch from crisis to crisis every few weeks or months. An extreme faction in Washington thought that Congress’ basic responsibilities were viable negotiating chips and put our nation on the precipice of default. The shutdown was senseless and hurt people and businesses in Hawaii and across the country, resulting in layoffs, lost wages and uncertainty for families.

“Now Congress must make up for lost time and tackle key issues including immigration reform, energy and food sustainability, the Farm Bill and long-term budget solutions. I strongly urge my colleagues to build on tonight’s compromise as we move forward and focus on creating jobs and strengthening the economy for middle class families.”

Through this bipartisan deal, the federal government will be funded through January 15, 2014 and will have its borrowing authority extended until February 7, 2014. The House and Senate have also agreed to appoint a committee to negotiate a budget by December 13, 2013.

Standard & Poor’s estimated that the two week shutdown cost the U.S. $24 billion in potential economic activity. Another report estimates that Congress’ budget fights, debt-ceiling stand-offs, and spending cuts have cost the nation nearly $700 billion in lost economic activity.

Throughout the two week government shutdown, Hirono shared stories from Hawaii families on how the shutdown impacted them, speaking most recently at a press conference with colleagues and on the Senate floor.