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Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.
During this time of instability around the world, it is important to remember that our investments abroad can make us more secure at home. The fiscal year 2021 bill funds many programs that would do just that.
The bill provides $3.3 billion for Israel, demonstrating our unwavering support for the security of our great ally and partner.
It protects funding for embassy security and counter-terrorism programs. The bill also includes funds to advance global health, promote democracy, and address human trafficking.
Unfortunately, while there are areas where we agree, I have serious concerns about partisan riders that have been inserted and the negative impact they could have.
As I said during the subcommittee markup, the bill includes permanent changes in law that would overturn the current Mexico City Policy.
Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.
I rise in opposition to the subcommittee allocations because they do not give a complete picture of all of the spending in these appropriations bills.
Instead of working with us to develop bills consistent with the budget agreement that was reached last year, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have unilaterally decided to include hundreds of billions of dollars in so-called "emergency" spending for things that really are not emergencies.
- Almost $200 billion dollars for infrastructure;
- Nearly $35 billion dollars to respond to the coronavirus on top of the trillions already appropriated; and
- $12.5 billion for veterans, even though it was known last year that these costs would rise.
In total, there is more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in additional deficit spending not included in these allocations.
WASHINGTON – Today, the subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, and Science; Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development; Financial Services and General Government; and Defense met to consider their appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021. The measures were reported out to the full committee with concerns raised by Republicans.
Thank you, Chairman Quigley, for presenting the fiscal year 2021 Financial Services bill today.
I also want to recognize Ranking Member Graves since this will be his last subcommittee markup. I commend him for more than a decade of service to our nation and the people of North Georgia.
During Tom's time in Congress, he has served as the Chair or Ranking Member of two appropriations subcommittees, and he is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
We all know it's not easy to reform an institution like this, which is so set in its ways, but the leadership he and Chair Kilmer have demonstrated will have a lasting impact on the House's operations for years to come.
This has been a difficult year for the Graves family. Tom's son suffered very serious injuries in a cycling accident. Tom, I understand that John has made a near miraculous recovery.
