Remarks

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7790, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act.

American families are facing yet another crisis. Parents don't have access to the formula their young children need. They are angry and frightened, and I understand why.

There are reports that more than 40% of baby formula is sold out across the United States. Some families are having to drive hours just so their children don't go to bed hungry.

At a time when Americans are paying record-high gas prices, no one can afford this.

We had the opportunity to work across the aisle on a bipartisan solution to this crisis.

Unfortunately, the text we are considering today has not been agreed to by both sides.

I have four concerns about the bill.

First, the bill does nothing to force the FDA to come up with a plan to address the shortage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7691, a bill that would provide additional assistance to Ukraine and other partners in the region.

Ten weeks ago, we witnessed Russia begin its attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine.

To support Ukraine and our allies during this unprovoked, illegal, and appalling attack, Congress provided nearly 14 billion dollars in emergency funding through the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills.

That funding has been crucial in Ukraine's efforts to fight back against Putin's evil invasion.

The bill before us today would provide roughly $40 billion in assistance to address the ongoing conflict.

With Russia continuing to take control of the country, more resources are needed to:

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Welcome, Secretary Mayorkas. I sincerely thank you for joining us today.

Continuing the dialogue that we had on a bipartisan basis before the Easter break will be important in the weeks to come.

I am hopeful you can provide some additional insight into the plan that you released yesterday afternoon that outlines six border security pillars to address the historic number of migrants encountered by our agents and officers.

The crisis border continues to dominate the headlines, in part because of the administration's plans to repeal Title 42 – which have now fortunately been blocked by court order, at least temporarily.

Roughly half of all migrants your agents and officers encounter illegally crossing the border are subject to removal under the Title 42 authority.

If that tool goes away, it has the potential to profoundly impact border security operations.

I want to thank the chairwoman for holding this important hearing on the Department of Homeland Security's fiscal year 2023 budget.

Thank you also, Secretary Mayorkas for joining us. We look forward to your testimony today.

First, I want to honor Texas National Guardsman Bishop Evans.

Specialist Evans lost his life over the weekend saving two migrants from drowning.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Specialist Evans, as well as the Texas National Guard.

Illegal crossings, like the one Specialist Evans encountered, have skyrocketed under this administration.

A record number of migrants attempted to cross the border illegally last year, and we are on track for another record-breaking year.

On average, our Border Patrol Agents encounter seven thousand individuals every day. This is straining the capabilities of our processing and detention facilities.

Mister Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2471, a bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of this fiscal year.

While it has taken us far too long to get here, I am glad we were able to produce a bill that includes many funding priorities that I support.

Since last summer, I have made it clear that House Republicans wouldn't oppose appropriations bills unless they:

• Increase defense spending,
• Restrain non-defense spending,
• Include all long-standing policy provisions, and
• Do not include any poison pill riders.

After months of negotiations, we reached a deal that meets all four of these criteria.

The bill before us:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill to provide funding for the heroes in our National Guard and Capitol Police, as well as the brave people of Afghanistan who supported our troops overseas.

While I am disappointed that it has taken this long to reach an agreement, the bill before us today is a strong package that deserves our support.

This bill:

• Reimburses the National Guard, the Capitol Police, and their law enforcement partners for the cost they incurred for their heroic efforts on January 6th; and
• Addresses safety and security concerns by providing necessary improvements to the Capitol complex.

The bill also provides much-needed assistance to our partners who supported our military during the war in Afghanistan.

This is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4346, the fiscal year 2022 Legislative Branch appropriations bill.

I wish I could support this important piece of legislation, but unfortunately, it has too many flaws, and it does not reflect the type of bipartisan agreement that we must have to complete the appropriations process this year.

At a time of record-high deficits and debt, now is not the time to double-down on increasing domestic spending.

This bill alone includes a nearly 13% increase over current levels.

The bill also includes riders that are more appropriately addressed by authorizing committees, specifically related to immigration policy.

In addition, the committee report is loaded with unnecessary, partisan requirements for the Capitol Police that will make it more difficult for them to carry out their mission.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4373, the fiscal year 2022 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

This bill has many fatal flaws, in spite of Republican efforts to improve it. The concerns raised during markup were not addressed, and many of the amendments we offered at the Rules Committee have not been made in order on the floor today.

I'll begin with our list of major complaints.

To put it simply, the spending level is too high, and the policies are too controversial.

This bill alone includes a 12% increase over current levels, with $3 billion directed to climate change programs like the green climate fund.

For the sake of generations to come, we cannot afford to spend like this.

In addition to these unrealistic spending levels, the Majority has made policy decisions that will complicate any attempts to come to a bipartisan agreement.