WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) released the following statement after bipartisan negotiators announced a spending agreement to avert a government shutdown:

“Since I was elected, I’ve been working to secure money to ensure that Palm Beach County taxpayers are not left footing the bill for President Trump’s security costs. With this bipartisan agreement, we were able to secure tens of millions of dollars to reimburse Palm Beach County, in addition to increasing funding for medical research, strengthening border security, boosting funding for our Armed Forces and more.

“While this agreement does not solve the systemic issues plaguing Washington, it is a necessary step to ensure our government can keep working, and I’ll continue pressuring leaders in Washington to ensure Palm Beach residents receive just compensation. As we look toward the future, I’m committed to a system where we stop forcing taxpayers to do more with less and instead demand that the government is more efficient, effective and accountable.”

In March, Rep. Mast wrote a bipartisan letter with the other Members of Congress representing Palm Beach County requesting these funds to reimburse costs incurred while protecting the President be included in the appropriations package.