Remarks
Today, House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman Tom Graves gave the following statement on the floor in support of H.R. 5325, the Fiscal Year 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill:
The goal of the bill we are considering here today is to ensure that we continue to preserve the beauty, enhance the security and improve the institutions of the United States Capitol complex. I'm glad to report that we have accomplished our mission, and we have done it in a way that respects taxpayers. By making tough choices, this bill demonstrates the great work Congress can do even during a time of lean budgets.
The American people will be proud to know that this bill continues to use a zero-based budgeting approach. That means each Legislative Branch agency was required to justify its budget request from scratch. This practice curbs wasteful spending and safeguards taxpayer dollars.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers spoke on the House floor today in support of H.J.Res. 78, a short-term continuing resolution providing funding for the federal government through December 22, 2015. The bill was adopted on a voice vote.
Chairman Rogers' statement follows:
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present H.J. Res.78, a short-term continuing resolution that will fund the government through December 22.
"Last night, we posted a full-year Omnibus funding bill. This bill will responsibly fund the government for the remainder of the 2016 fiscal year, at the levels set by the Bipartisan Budget Act passed in October. We are set to consider it later this week.
"However, our current funding mechanism expires today at midnight.
