NAACP Slams Congress for Stopgap Budget Resolution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - On Saturday evening, lawmakers in Congress passed a stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown ahead of the midnight deadline. The passage came as millions of Americans braced for the potentially devastating impact on their livelihoods. NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson reacted to the news with the following statement:
"While the resolution reached today has prevented catastrophe for millions of Americans, it is a stopgap that America, particularly Black America, cannot accept. While members of Congress cannot seem to agree on anything, the American people have reached a consensus - we are done with our lives being held hostage in the name of extremist politics. Four months ago, Black student loan borrowers were put on the chopping block in the debt ceiling deal. Now, student debt payments have resumed but a manufactured budget crisis still looms, threatening the most vulnerable.
It's time for Speaker McCarthy to stop allowing an extremist minority to control the work of members that have a duty to the American people. The NAACP will not stop fighting for a democracy that works for everybody. The debt ceiling deal was less than ideal, but going back on the deal for more cuts is even worse for Black Americans and the most vulnerable among us."
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration reached an agreement with Congressional leadership that included the resumption of student loan payments in exchange for a debt ceiling increase that was supposed to prevent the current budget crisis. On June 14, NAACP leaders sent an open letter to President Biden, slamming the administration's decision to "once again deprioritize the needs of Black America" through the utilization of student loan forgiveness as a negotiating tactic.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.