With the passage last night by the U.S. House of Representatives of an agreement to re-start normal government operations and raise the debt ceiling, North Country Rep. Bill Owens is relieved, but says the House shouldn’t have put the country through the trial of crisis atmosphere.

“I am pleased with this bipartisan, responsible deal to reopen the government and pay our bills.” Representative Bill Owens said, after voting himself to approve the measure.

“Americans deserve better than the last 16 days, and I will work with members of both parties to come up with a rational path forward that ends managing by crisis, grows the economy, creates jobs, and reduces the debt and deficit,” said the Plattsburgh Democrat.

Owens represents New York's 21st Congressional District, which runs from just north of Albany up to Lake Champlain and across to Lake Ontario.