Today, Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Democrat Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Republican Tom Reed (NY-23) announced that the bipartisan Caucus will support a FY17 spending bill, avoiding a government shutdown, if it is both a clean bill and without any ideological riders. This official position was adopted with the approval of more than 75% of both parties’ Problem Solvers Caucus Members.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is composed of 40 Members of Congress, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, who are committed to working together on a bipartisan basis to get past the gridlock and get things done on the issues that matter to the American people.

“The American people are looking for leaders who come together to solve problems and get things done, and that’s exactly what our Problem Solvers Caucus is doing by working across the aisle to avoid a government shutdown. Ideological litmus tests on a spending bill like this simply create partisan roadblocks. With so many pressing issues facing our country, we need to work together to keep the lights on and avoid another expensive shutdown that weakens not only our economy but our national security,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer.

“I care deeply that we must always put country over party when it comes to governing in Washington DC. This is why the Problem Solvers Caucus is locking arms to close the ideological divide and prove that we are true representatives of the people, both diverse and American at the same time. Through this type of leadership, I believe the obstacles facing our nation will easily be overcome,” said Congressman Tom Reed.

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