Representative Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) released the following statement marking 1,200 days since Senate Democrats last adopted a budget:

“Tomorrow marks a disappointing and unprecedented 1,200 days since Senate Democrats have passed a budget as required by law. Not only has the Senate failed to pass a budget, they haven’t even produced a budget proposal to be voted on.

“Our nation faces a fiscal and economic crisis that makes the need for a long-term financial roadmap more critical now than ever before. Yet Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said it would be ‘foolish’ to do a budget. I simply fail to see the logic behind such a ludicrous sentiment. 

“The House has done its part and passed a commonsense budget that addresses our nation’s deficit spending in a responsible manner so that we can put our nation back on the path to prosperity. But rather than passing a budget of their own, Senate Democrats resorted to demagoguing our efforts and spreading untruths for perceived political gains. Clearly, that is not the sort of leadership the American people expect.

“My colleagues and I in the House are more than willing to work with the Senate to develop a bipartisan plan, but that cannot happen if they refuse to even sit down at the negotiating table. It is time for Senate Democrats to get their act together, follow the law and pass a budget.”