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Meng Votes Against Government Spending Bill

December 8, 2016
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today voted against the stopgap spending bill due to its failure to adequately reimburse New York City for the cost of protecting President-Elect Donald Trump. She also voted no since the bill only funds the government through April – as opposed to a full year – and because it expedites a waiver for General James Mattis so that he can serve as the Trump Administration’s Secretary of Defense. Under federal law, former members of the military must wait seven years until they can serve as defense secretary.
“Shortchanging New York City for the money it needs to protect Trump Tower is baffling but not surprising,” said Meng. “It’s just more of the GOP-led Congress’ bias against New York. However, this is more than just federal dollars for our city. It’s funding to help safeguard the incoming President of the United States!”
“It is also outrageous that GOP leaders sought to help greenlight General Mattis,” Meng added. “Playing politics with such a key position in our government is shameful, and sets a horrible and dangerous precedent. In addition, our government should not be funded in drips and drabs. A short-term extension only kicks the can down the road and leaves Americans and federal agencies uncertain about what funds might be available to them in the coming year.”
“After Donald Trump was elected, one of my hopes was that New York would have a shot at obtaining a greater share of resources from Washington,” said Meng. “I urge the President-elect to help secure the money needed to keep him safe in his hometown. We all recognize the importance of protecting the area around Trump Tower. But it should not be done on the backs of New Yorkers.“
The spending bill, also known as a continuing resolution, only included a $7 million reimbursement for New York, far short of the $35 million requested by Mayor de Blasio.