WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the U.S. Senate reached a bipartisan agreement that would open the federal government through January 15 and lift the debt ceiling through February 7, 2014 – thus preventing an immediate threat of default – U.S. Senator Jack Reed praised the compromise.

Reed noted the compromise allows the U.S. government to fulfill its obligations and sets the stage for budget talks between the Senate and House, which Reed has strongly backed.  As they seek to iron out their differences, Reed urged budget negotiators to focus on creating jobs, strengthening the middle-class, and fostering economic growth.

Reed stated:

“Opening the government and preventing a default crisis is the common sense decision I’ve been advocating.

“These threats of default and shutdowns hurt our economy, but now we need to move forward together.

“Congress needs to get back to creating jobs, rebuilding America’s infrastructure, and re-balancing our economy.   These aren’t partisan priorities, they are American priorities.  And if both parties work together and start pulling in that direction we can lift our nation out of the economic struggles we've been in for far too long.

“A healthy dose of political stability and economic certainty will go a long way toward helping America achieve long-term economic growth.”