Legislative Branch

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 –

• Helping small businesses that are desperate for a lifeline,
• Enabling the airline industry to continue to pay its employees,
• Providing additional assistance to help schools continue reopening, and
• Increasing testing for the virus.

Yet, I cannot overlook – nor can I overstate – the significant problems I have with this bill.

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:

I want to thank Chairman Ryan and Ranking Member Herrera-Beutler for the work they have done to address critical issues that affect the Congress.

This bill recognizes the important, bipartisan work of the House Select Committee on Modernization and takes steps to make Congress more effective, efficient, and transparent on behalf of the American people.

This bill funds priorities of the Architect of the Capitol in order to support the Capitol's aging infrastructure and promote the safety and health of employees and visitors.

The men and women of the Capitol Police demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism, and this bill recognizes their service and sacrifice by ensuring they have the resources they need to continue keeping the complex safe.

Unfortunately, I have concerns that will prevent me from supporting this bill in its current form.

Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.

I rise in opposition to the subcommittee allocations because they do not give a complete picture of all of the spending in these appropriations bills.

Instead of working with us to develop bills consistent with the budget agreement that was reached last year, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have unilaterally decided to include hundreds of billions of dollars in so-called "emergency" spending for things that really are not emergencies.

• Almost $200 billion dollars for infrastructure;
• Nearly $35 billion dollars to respond to the coronavirus on top of the trillions already appropriated; and
• $12.5 billion for veterans, even though it was known last year that these costs would rise.

In total, there is more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in additional deficit spending not included in these allocations.