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The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014. The budget resolution passed by both the House and Senate in early December established an agreement to work toward a bipartisan appropriations bill that would fund the operations of the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year 2014. Congressman Bishop (UT-01) joined with the entire Utah congressional delegation in support of the measure, which passed with 359 votes.

“For years now, differing views on how we ought to prioritize federal funding have led to impassable gridlock between the House and Senate.  That resulted in the necessary passage of short term spending bills known as continuing resolutions. The one thing upon which both the House and Senate agreed was that this was not the ideal way to budget and fund annual federal operations. Subsequently, we were able to find enough common ground to produce a comprehensive appropriations bill for 2014.  Although the final bill isn’t what I would have drafted had I been the sole author, it ensures that Congress returns to regular order and gets back to addressing some of the biggest priorities facing our nation.  I was pleased with some components, and displeased with others. It’s safe to say that nobody walked away completely satisfied. I am pleased that with the passage of this bill, we will effectively prevent future furloughs and avoid another potential shutdown of the government. I was disappointed by the exclusion of PILT, however, there is commitment from both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress to get that done through a different legislative avenue.  It is my hope that this appropriations bill will turn a new leaf for the Senate, and they will recognize the merits of providing stability and certainty for both the federal government and for the country,” said Congressman Bishop.