Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement following the defeat of the House and Senate bills to fund the federal government through September. Bennet voted against both bills.

“Reducing our debt and deficit requires a realistic and comprehensive approach and the Fiscal Commission has provided us with a blueprint. Any plan to tackle our fiscal crisis must make a material difference in reducing the deficit and everyone should be asked to shoulder part of the burden. Neither bill accomplishes those goals.

“An overwhelming majority of Senators from both parties voted against both of these spending bills demonstrating a true desire to find a meaningful solution that will reduce our deficit in ways that will not stifle job creation or our economic recovery.

“That’s what Coloradans want. And that’s what we’re here to do.”

Bennet is part of bipartisan group of senators led by Mark Warner (D-VA) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) calling for the Senate to debate and take an up-or-down vote on the Fiscal Commission’s recommendations.