WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., issued the following statement regarding a plan to reopen the federal government and avoid a default on U.S. debt:

“This agreement will reopen the government and allow the United States to pay its bills. For the first time in 50 years, Washington spending has declined for two years in a row. The proposal will ensure the budget savings, established in 2011, will continue. It also requires a budget conference between the House and Senate to address our nation’s unsustainable $17 trillion debt. While it doesn’t fix the problems associated with Obamacare, it is important for Congress to reopen the government, not default on our bills, and get this crisis behind us.”