“Today, the United States Senate stood up for women, children and seniors by rejecting the ill-conceived, dangerous House budget plan that would have imperiled the social safety net and jeopardized the health and well-being of millions of families.

The House budget was punitive and attempted to cut spending in ways that would have caused massive harm to our most vulnerable citizens who rely on government most. It would also have undermined the economic recovery.

We commend every Senator who put families first today. They saved millions of Americans from immeasurable struggle and hardship.

But while we are relieved that the Senate rejected this budget, we are truly alarmed that the House passed such an irresponsible measure and that 40 senators supported it. While women, children and seniors can rest easier tonight, we remain wary about what lies ahead.

This is not the time to defund and dismantle the programs families depend on most. We urge lawmakers to abandon politically-motivated attacks on critically important government programs that provide health care, food assistance and other vital services. America needs a federal budget that is fiscally responsible and provides for the basic needs of our most vulnerable families. We hope lawmakers will now get to work on that.”