Congress's Post-Shutdown Budget Committee Will Include Lowey

Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), will be one of three Democrats on the new committee charged with coming up with a federal budget. 

The conference committee was formed in the wake of a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and avoid default. In it, members of both parties are supposed to bridge the divide between their respective budgets and agree on overall spending levels—and do so by Dec. 13. 

“While it is disappointing that we are moving to budget negotiations only after our economy and families suffered under a reckless Republican shutdown and a near default on our bills, I am hopeful that we can work together to avoid another manufactured crisis,” said Lowey, the senior Dem on the House Appropriations Committee, in a press statement. “We must have a budget that creates jobs, strengthens the middle class, and responsibly reduces the deficit. I am ready to come to the table and find common ground. I hope Republicans are, too.”

Also appointed to the conference committee were Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn and Chris Van Hollen, ranking member on the Budget Committee, Lowey's office said.