Home
RECENT NEWS
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7608, the first package of fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills to be considered by the House.
I wish the circumstances were different and I could support this very important piece of legislation that funds many key programs.
This bill supports –
- The veterans who have honorably served our country;
- The diplomats who promote American businesses and our values around the world;
- The farmers and ranchers who put food on our tables; and
- The custodians of our parks and public lands who protect our national treasures.
Unfortunately, I am not able to support the bill before us because it has some fatal flaws.
WASHINGTON – Today, the full committee met to consider the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills for Homeland Security and Financial Services. Committee Republicans expressed concern about several controversial policy and spending proposals.
I would like to thank the Subcommittee Chairwoman and the Ranking Member for their leadership on the Homeland Security appropriations bill.
All of our states and communities are experiencing a public health crisis, and the Department of Homeland Security is one of the agencies on the front lines.
During these challenging times, the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security have continued their mission at the ports of entry, along the border, and in our communities – responding to emergencies and saving lives across the nation.
That is why I am particularly concerned about some of the choices made in this bill.
The Department has demonstrated continuously how important it is that they have the resources to protect our nation from threats.
Thank you, Chairwoman Lowey.
I want to recognize Chairman Quigley and Ranking Member Graves for their work on putting this Financial Services bill together.
I also want to thank Tom for his service in the House and on this Committee, as well as his work on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
The bill before us today includes many priorities for Members on both sides of the aisle, such as support for small businesses, drug control programs, and funding for vital counter-terrorism and financial intelligence efforts.
However, I am concerned that there are several controversial items that:
