On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, Representative Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) released the following statement after voting against H.J. Res. 79: Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2012.  

The following quote can be attributed to Rep. DesJarlais:

“First and foremost, I’m terribly disappointed that we are still having to vote on continuing resolutions due to the Democrat controlled Senate’s inability to pass a budget after almost 900 days. Failing to meet this most fundamental duty is completely unacceptable and I hope that voters will hold Senate Democrats accountable for their inaction and lack of leadership.

“In April, the House of Representatives passed the Paul Ryan budget. I voted in favor of this legislation as I firmly believe that it provides a credible, long-term blueprint for how to get our nation’s debt and deficits under control, as well as put our economy on a more prosperous course.

“Although I was disappointed that the Senate did not pass this budget – while still not producing any budget of their own – House Republicans have consistently introduced and passed spending bills that are in line with the spending levels put forth the in the Ryan Budget.    

“Unfortunately, this current Continuing Resolution, which will fund the government through November 18, 2011, exceeds the discretionary spending caps put forth in the Ryan plan.

“By failing to honor the spending levels set forth in the Ryan Budget, we are sending a clear message that Washington continues to be unwilling to get serious when it comes to federal spending. This will only further degrade the private sector’s confidence in our economic outlook and prevent small businesses from creating badly needed jobs.

“My constituents expect more. They expect Congress to put forth and implement real solutions to get our nation out of a $14.74 trillion dollar debt. They don’t want the government to borrow more, they don’t want the government to spend more and they certainly don’t want the government to tax more. It is time to make serious spending cuts and shrink the size of government.”