Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in favor of the federal budget that authorizes spending above sequester levels for 2016 and 2017 and removes the threat of a government default.

Stefanik said the budget also includes her provision to repeal the Obamacare “auto-enrollment mandate.”

“I pledged to bring common sense to Congress and ran against political brinkmanship,” Congresswoman Stefanik said. “This bipartisan agreement brings needed certainty to our budget process so that we can stop governing from crisis to crisis.

“I have fought to reverse the damaging effects of the sequester since arriving in Congress and am pleased that this agreement includes needed relief from these cuts over the next two years. This means stable funding for the Department of Defense -- including important certainty for Fort Drum -- giving our troops the necessary resources they need to keep our nation safe.

“Additionally, this agreement is a win for North Country seniors. It protects Medicare Part B recipients from a dramatic rate spike and ensures that the Social Security Disability Trust Fund can continue to pay full benefits.

“This budget agreement also includes a provision I authored that would repeal the Obamacare auto-enrollment mandate -- an unnecessary and duplicative part of the Affordable Care Act that reduces choice in health coverage and creates confusion that can lead to significant tax penalties on both the employee and employer. I remain committed to achieving a healthcare system that works for North Country families and businesses, and this commonsense provision is one step in that direction.”

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 passed the House by a vote of 266-167.