Washington, DC โ€“ Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after the House passed a clean, short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11:

โ€œThe House and Senate have now passed a clean, short-term funding bill to avert a shutdown through December 11.ย  Congress now has an opportunity โ€“ indeed, a responsibility โ€“ over the next ten weeks to reach bipartisan agreement on appropriations and an end to the dangerous sequester.ย  I hope Democrats and Republicans will now come together to enter negotiations with a commitment to reaching a balanced compromise that adheres to the Murray-Ryan principle of parity for sequester relief for the defense and non-defense caps.ย  While we continue to pursue fiscal sustainability, Congress must have the ability to prioritize our nationโ€™s investments in national security, economic growth, and opportunity.โ€