Chairwoman Lowey Floor Remarks on Six-Bill Appropriations Minibus

WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey today delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H.R. 7617, the second minibus of fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills:

Today we continue investing For the People with H.R. 7617. This minibus combines six appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development.

The bill promotes economic recovery from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. It provides more than $200 billion in emergency funding to rebuild our nation’s transportation, housing, and energy infrastructure; to expand broadband to unserved and underserved areas; and to rebuild the nation’s aged public health capacity and support state and local health agencies and global health activities.

The bill prioritizes public health and safety, with $47 billion for lifesaving medical research at the National Institutes of Health, and $50 million – an increase of $25 million above FY20 – for firearm injury and mortality prevention research at NIH and CDC. And it includes strong funding for numerous public health efforts, including initiatives to reduce HIV infections, address tobacco and e-cigarette use, and ensure food safety. 

As we confront the twin crises of COVID-19 and systemic racism, the bill takes bold steps to build safer and stronger communities for all people. It provides strong funding to support law enforcement reform at the state and local level while catalyzing economic development in disadvantaged communities that is fundamental to a more just and equitable society.

Among other priorities, the bill:

• Invests in education and job training;
• Expands access to safe, affordable, and fair housing;
• Supports service members and military families; and
• Combats climate change and embraces a clean energy future.

This package prioritizes the lives and livelihoods of the American people, and makes the strong investments needed to build a stronger future for every person. 

It is the product of months of thoughtful deliberation and input from Members on both sides of the aisle.

I am proud of the work we have completed under the incredibly difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our incredibly talented Appropriations subcommittee chairs will discuss more about what this package does For the People.

I urge support for the bill.

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