WASHINGTON, DC (WOWO): Saturday evening, Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) released the following statement regarding his vote in support of legislation that funds the most of the federal government through September 30, 2015 and the Department of Homeland Security through February 27, 2015:

“One of Congress’ primary duties is to fund the federal government, but under the management of Harry Reid, the Senate has consistently ignored important spending decisions until literally the last minute. This forces senators to vote on large bills that fund the entire government, but inevitably include many items I do not support.

“The bill that the House sent to the Senate bill does, however, make positive changes for Hoosier families. Reforms include cutting the EPA budget by $60 million and the IRS budget by $345 million, prohibiting an EPA regulation opposed by Indiana farmers and blocking any new funding to implement Obamacare. This is all in addition to necessities like funding our national security priorities and giving our troops a pay raise.

“Republicans will govern not only more conservatively, but also more responsibly, when we take control of the Senate in January. Passing this bill and only temporarily funding the Department of Homeland Security will give Republicans more leverage to fight when President Obama tries to implement his promised executive amnesty order. But that was not the vote we had tonight. When that fight comes, Congress should not fund the president’s lawless behavior.”