Remarks
Thank you, Madam Chair. Admiral Faller, it's good to see you again.
SOUTHCOM is an extremely important area of operations that frequently does not get the priority it deserves because of conflicts in other areas of the world. It has been, and will continue to be, a priority of mine.
The crisis on our southern border is just the most recent reminder of how critically important the region is to the security of our own country.
I have seen for myself on many visits to the border and to the region that this is not a new problem we are trying to solve.
Thank you, Chairman Price, for holding this hearing today.
I want to welcome the secretary for his first hearing with our Committee.
Mr. Secretary, I know you come to Washington with the perspective of a former mayor. You have said that there are no Democratic or Republican potholes. And, as a former mayor myself, I completely agree with you on that point.
You reached out to me early on, and I look forward to continuing our conversation as we work together to address our nation's transportation infrastructure needs.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing today so that we can hear Secretary Vilsack's plans for the Department of Agriculture.
The events of the past year have affected virtually every sector of our economy. This is especially true for our farmers and ranchers. Thanks to the staff at USDA, programs were quickly implemented to help those affected by the pandemic.
I would like to thank Chairman Ryan and Ranking Member Herrera Beutler for holding this important hearing today.
The January 6th attack on the Capitol was something I never thought I would witness. In the face of great danger, U.S. Capitol Police bravely fought to defend the complex and ensure all Members and staff were safe.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to begin by congratulating you for taking over the gavel of the Appropriations Committee as we begin our first official meeting of the 117th Congress.
I wish we were all in the same room today to hear the sound of that gavel, but I know you will continue to look for ways for us to meet in person.
"Mister Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of this fiscal year, as well as provide another round of desperately needed relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8900 – a continuing resolution that will fund the government through December 18th.
Members of the Appropriations Committee have been negotiating night and day for weeks to reach agreement on full-year appropriations bills.
At the same time, House and Senate leaders continue to discuss a coronavirus relief package with the Administration.
It is my hope that we can complete both of these important pieces of legislation as soon as possible.
Madam Chair, at a time when millions of Americans are facing untold hardship as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and Congress still needs to pass full year appropriations bills to avoid a possible government shutdown, it is disappointing that our Committee is debating a longstanding, bipartisan policy that polls have shown the majority of Americans support. In fact, the provision we are discussing, the Hyde Amendment, has been signed into law by presidents of both parties since the 1970s.
Mister Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this bill.
Unfortunately, by considering this bill today we are abandoning the spirit of bipartisanship that has allowed us to work across the aisle four times this year to pass critical coronavirus relief legislation.
This bill was crafted without input from Members on our side of the aisle, and it does not have the support needed to pass the Senate or be signed by the President.
There are some things included that I support, such as –
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8337, a short-term continuing resolution through December 11th.
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of American life.
During this unprecedented time, it is more critical than ever that the federal government remain open and functioning.
By passing this short-term CR, we will:
