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Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.
First, I want to thank the subcommittee chair, Ms. Roybal-Allard, and the ranking member, Mr. Fleischmann, for their work on this Homeland Security appropriations bill. It's a very important bill, and I know you have put a lot of work into this.
I know that you both work extremely hard to find common ground. Unfortunately, there are just too many differences of opinions in this year's bill, and I am going to have to oppose it in its current form.
To put it simply, the bill before us today proposes funding levels and policies that fail to address the illegal immigration crisis we are currently experiencing in this country.
If we are going to get serious about stopping migrants from making the dangerous journey to the United States, then we cannot include some of the things in this bill, such as:
I want to thank Chairman Price for presenting the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill today.
I would also like to thank my friend, Mario Diaz-Balart, the ranking member of this subcommittee.
This bill supports key transportation infrastructure and safety programs, including highways, rail, and ports.
The funding provided for airport infrastructure and air traffic control will be critical for the aviation industry as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
It is time for our investments in the FAA to provide real benefits to the traveling public, so I am pleased to see that this legislation includes programs that move air traffic modernization forward.
Many of the housing programs in this bill provide a critical safety net to working families, the elderly, and the disabled.
Chairman Cartwright, thank you for presenting the Fiscal Year 2022 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
I also want to recognize and thank my friend, the ranking member of the subcommittee, Mr. Aderholt.
I know both of you have worked together to address priorities of members on both sides of the aisle.
The Commerce-Justice-Science bill always supports initiatives that:
- Strengthen the ability of the United States to be competitive around the world,
- Invest in cutting-edge research and technology, and
- Protect children and our communities.
Unfortunately, this year's bill is overshadowed by partisan politics and unbalanced spending priorities.
This comes at a time when we know our nation is facing increasing threats on a daily basis, such as:
Madam Chair, I thank you for bringing forward the Fiscal Year 2022 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill today.
I also want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Simpson, for his leadership on this subcommittee.
As a result of your work, this bill addresses the priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle and does many good things for the American people.
In particular, I appreciate that the bill continues significant funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for navigation and flood control projects that are so important to our economy and public safety.
Unfortunately, just like with the other bills the committee has considered, this bill is based on a funding framework that lacks bipartisan support.
I am also concerned that the funding decisions in this bill could leave us vulnerable to countries that do not have our best interests at heart.
