The following is a statement from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa about the continuing resolution (CR) funding bill cleared through Congress and signed by President Obama late last week that will keep the federal government operating until April 28, 2017.
“Short-term funding measures are never ideal, and that includes the bill passed by the House and Senate last week. But given that Washington finds itself on the cusp of a change in leadership, it was inevitable, yet still disappointing, that such legislation would be passed by this Congress to keep the government operating into the new year.
“While the Teamsters are pleased no action was taken to ram false pension fixes down the throats of our members and other hard-working Americans, comprehensive reform for all pensioners is needed in the next Congress. People who worked hard all their lives should not be left in their golden years with such uncertainty.
“In addition, the Teamsters are disappointed to see the continuation of anti-safety policies for truckers included in the CR. It is an undisputable fact that many truck drivers are pushed to the limit on our roads. The Hours of Service rules originally put forth but suspended by Congress must be reinstated for the good of all who use the nation’s highways.
“However, there were two important issues included in the funding bill. During the past year, the Teamsters have been active in lending a helping hand and advocating for the residents of Flint, Mich. due to the ongoing water crisis there, as well as for people all over the country suffering from the scourge of opioid addiction. We are glad to see those matters addressed with additional funding.”
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