Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (116th Congress)
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4378 – a continuing resolution that will fund the government through November 21st.
"It is unfortunate that we are in this situation and have to pass this CR to keep the government open, but we cannot afford an unnecessary and costly shutdown.
"Because the budget agreement did not get enacted until August, the Senate just began working on the FY20 appropriations bills last week.
"As a result, there is simply not enough time to complete the appropriations process by the September 30th deadline.
WASHINGTON – Top Appropriations Committee Republican Kay Granger (R-TX) issued the following statement after opposing the Democrats' second appropriations package, H.R. 3055, which includes Commerce, Justice, and Science; Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration; Interior and Environment; Military Construction and Veteran Affairs; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. The measure passed with a final vote of 227 to 194 - all Republicans present opposed the measure.
WASHINGTON – Today, top Appropriations Committee Republican Kay Granger (R-TX) delivered the following remarks on H.R. 3055, a five-bill appropriations package.
Mister Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3055.
Unfortunately, this appropriations bill and the bill that just passed the House are written to an unrealistic topline funding number - $176 billion above current budget caps.
We still do not have consensus on a budget agreement for fiscal year 2020, which could lead to sequestration, resulting in devastating cuts to our military.
Moving this second appropriations package today as-is is another wasted opportunity.
The funding levels are far from what the President has requested and will support. Total discretionary funding in this bill is nearly 10 percent above fiscal year 2019.
WASHINGTON – Today, the Full Committee met to consider the fiscal year 2020 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. While the bill addresses a number of our nation's pressing priorities from expanding economic opportunity, making our communities safer, and investing in cutting-edge science, Committee Republicans were unable to support it due to controversial policy positions and the overall funding level.