Remarks
Good afternoon. As the Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I am here to explain the CJS bill and ask that you provide an appropriate rule for its consideration.
As you know, the CJS Subcommittee has jurisdiction over a diverse group of agencies responsible for enforcing trade laws; promoting U.S. economic interests; bolstering innovation and manufacturing; forecasting the weather; managing fisheries; combating drug trafficking, violent crime, financial fraud, terrorism, espionage, and cybercrime; exploring space; and advancing science.
The fiscal situation facing the country requires some very significant and difficult spending reductions.
The need for reductions was reflected in the Budget Resolution that passed the House, and in the 302b allocation that we were given.
Mr. Chair, I rise in support of HR 5894, the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies bill.
This is my first year as chair of this important Subcommittee and I'm proud to be able to support programs that touch the lives of every American.
Our nation remains mired in high inflation, which has only been worsened by the massive infusion of government spending, both during and immediately after the COVID pandemic.
I have said numerous times – inflation is a tax on every single American. Moreover, it is a tax borne disproportionately by low-income Americans. We cannot continue to make our constituents pay for our reckless DC beltway spending. At some point, we must stop the out-of-control spending spree we've seen over the past two years.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this continuing resolution, H.R. 6363.
Before discussing this CR, I want to explain our process. At the beginning of this Congress, House Republicans said we would change how Washington works. As of today, we have sent 7 appropriations bills to the Senate, totaling roughly 75% of government funding. The Senate has passed 3 of its bills, totaling 17%.
We still have a lot more work to do to get full-year bills enacted into law. That is why I support the Speaker's reasonable plan to continue government funding into early next year. It buys us time to agree on a topline funding level and negotiate final bills with the Senate.
Most importantly, this plan will allow us to:
Thank you, Chairman Cole, Ranking Member McGovern, and Members of the Committee for the opportunity to appear before you today.
I'd like to start by thanking Speaker Johnson for his leadership on this continuing resolution and our plan moving forward.
Our nation is still facing high inflation as a result of the massive infusion of government spending during last Congress.
Record-high spending caused record-high inflation, which resulted in an added tax on every American. We must do everything we can in Washington to reverse course and lower that burden on the American people.
This year, House Republicans are changing how we fund the government. We promised to cut wasteful spending, return to responsible funding levels, and consider individual appropriations bills.
Good afternoon, I am honored to come before you today to present the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies bill to you and ask for a Rule for its consideration on the House Floor.
This is my first year as chair of this important Subcommittee and I'm proud to be able to support programs that touch the lives of every American.
Our nation remains mired in high inflation, which has only been worsened by the massive infusion of government spending, both during and immediately after the COVID pandemic.
I have said numerous times – inflation is a tax on every single American. Moreover, it is a tax borne disproportionately by low-income Americans. We cannot continue to make our constituents pay for our reckless DC beltway spending. At some point, we must stop the out-of-control spending spree we've seen over the past two years.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to begin consideration of H.R. 4664, the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill.
Before I get into the details, I'd like to recognize the hard work of Chairwoman Granger on this bill and the entire appropriations process. We are one step closer to passing the last remaining few appropriations bills.
I also want to thank my good friend and Ranking Member Steny Hoyer for his input on this bill and the many conversations we've had. Steny is a dear, dear friend of mine. Somebody I've worked very closely with, not only with this bill but on other matters of importance to our country. I consider him a very dear, dear friend and it is an honor to have him at my side as the Ranking Member. And I mean that Steny, sincerely.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the distinguished acting Ranking Member, and I too, send my prayers to the family of Jim McGovern for the hardship that the family is facing right now. It's an honor to be before you today as we tee up the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee appropriations bill. I also want to thank my good friend and Ranking Member, Steny Hoyer. He is a dear friend, and I say that with all sincerity. We've had a lot of conversations through the years, we've worked on a lot of things in a really bipartisan way, but it is an honor to serve with him, and I'm deeply honored that he is the Ranking Member of this Subcommittee.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to stand before you as we consider the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bill for Fiscal Year 2024. I am glad that we are back at work, moving appropriations bills through the House Floor under our new Speaker. We are continuing to fulfill our constitutional duty. I would like to thank Chairwoman Granger, Ranking Member DeLauro, and my partner on this bill, Ranking Member Mike Quigley.
This bill responsibly funds our most critical transportation and housing needs, which will have a positive impact on every congressional district in the country.
At the same time, the bill meets the challenge before us to reduce spending and get our debt under control. The bill reduces spending 25% below Fiscal Year 2023 levels, with a CBO score of $65 billion. We achieve these savings through a rescission of IRS funds and by reducing billions in excessive spending.
I am pleased to begin consideration of H.R. 4821, the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
Before I get into the bill, I want to commend Chairwoman Granger for her steadfast leadership of the Appropriations Committee and her ongoing support. I'd also like to thank the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. Delauro, for her important work on this legislation and other things.
I'd also like to thank Ranking Member Pingree for her partnership and the Subcommittee Members for their work on this bill. Although, Ms. Pingree and I might have some differences of opinion on this bill.
H.R. 4821 provides $25.4 billion in new non-defense discretionary spending – which is $13.4 billion or 35 percent below the Fiscal Year 2023 level.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6126, a bill that will provide additional support for Israel.
Earlier this month, we saw Hamas carry out its evil attack on the Israeli people. Now more than ever, we must stand firm with our great ally and do all we can to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself.
The bill before us provides $14.3 billion dollars in emergency funding for much-needed military assistance. This funding will cover everything requested by the Israelis. Specifically, this bill includes funding for:
- Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Iron Beam defense systems;
- Advanced weapons systems and services through the Foreign Military Financing Program; and
- The production of ammunition.
To ensure that our support does not impact our own military readiness, the bill provides $4.4 billion to replenish the items we are sending Israel.
