Remarks

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.

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.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4502, a package of seven fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills that will be considered by the House this week.

I wish the circumstances were different and I could support this important piece of legislation that funds critical programs.

Unfortunately, after months of committee hearings and markups, this year's bills have too many fatal flaws.

First, there is no agreement between Republicans and Democrats on the topline spending level for appropriations.

Thank you, Chairman McGovern and Ranking Member Cole, for allowing me to testify on H.R. 4502, a package of seven fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills.

I wish the circumstances were different and I were here speaking in favor of this important piece of legislation.

Unfortunately, there is not bipartisan support, so I am here to ask the Rules Committee to allow amendments to H.R. 4502, so that it can be improved.

Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.

The revised spending allocations presented today contain only technical corrections to the initial allocations, which were adopted on a party-line vote two weeks ago.

Because there are no substantive changes from the initial allocations, I must once again oppose them.

They do not change the topline spending levels for any of the subcommittee bills – even though Members on my side of the aisle have consistently asked for bipartisan cooperation on funding levels.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for yielding.

First, I want to thank Chairman Price and Ranking Member Diaz-Balart for their work on this Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill.

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.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for yielding.

First, I want to recognize Chairwoman Kaptur and Ranking Member Simpson for their work on putting this Energy and Water Development bill together.

As a result of their 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.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for yielding.

Chairman Cartwright and Ranking Member Aderholt, thank you for your work on this Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill.

I know both of you have worked together to address priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle.

Unfortunately, this year's bill is overshadowed by partisan politics and unbalanced spending priorities.

The difference of opinion on both issues could slow down our appropriations process this year, leaving us vulnerable at a time when we know our nation is facing increasing threats.