~ Governor Tim Pawlenty's statement regarding today's passage of a $26 billion federal spending bill ~

Saint Paul -- The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the passage today of a $26 billion federal spending bill by the U.S. House of Representatives:

"The federal government should not deficit spend to bail out states and special interest groups. Minnesota balanced its budget without raising taxes and without relying on more federal money. The federal government's reckless spending spree must come to an end. "