HIRONO VOTES TO PASS BIPARTISAN BUDGET DEAL THAT REMOVES THREAT OF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, EASES PAIN OF SEQUESTRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono voted today in support of the bipartisan budget deal that passed the Senate by a vote of 64-36. The bill now heads to President Obama for his signature.

“This budget demonstrates Congress can work together in a bipartisan fashion and break the gridlock. I am proud to join the large majority of my colleagues to move our country forward. While not perfect, this budget agreement contains many measures that will benefit Hawaii and our nation. Individuals and our economy were negatively impacted by both the government shutdown and the indiscriminate cuts of sequestration. This budget will help strengthen our economy by restoring essential funding for government functions and providing certainty to Americans and the business community. It also keeps our promises to our kupuna by protecting Social Security and Medicare.

“This agreement contains measures that concern me, including the increase in transportation security fees and cuts to benefits for military retirees and federal workers. I’ve started to work with my colleagues to try and alleviate these impacts to Hawaii families.

“As we end the calendar year, I hope Congress will do more to close the opportunity gap by creating good-paying jobs, making access to quality education available to all individuals and working to finish comprehensive immigration reform.”