Financial Services

I am saddened to have to rise in opposition to this legislation today. As a long-time appropriator, I remember the days when we were always able to come together to determine the funding levels for our government in a bipartisan manner and with little partisan warfare. Unfortunately, this bill is not a product of those times.

I'd like to thank Chairman Crenshaw and Ranking Member Serrano for their work on this bill, and the bipartisan spirit in which they work.

Unfortunately, however, low allocations and policy riders in this bill fail to prioritize the middle class, create jobs, and provide opportunity for every citizen to succeed. Meanwhile this bill cuts already-reduced funding levels for regulatory agencies that protect the public and crack down on special interests who abuse the system.

Thank you, Chairman Rogers.

Let me begin by thanking Chairman Crenshaw for his efforts to conduct this subcommittee in a fair and bipartisan manner. We do not always agree on everything, but you are always willing to listen to our side, and you have made efforts to accommodate our side's priorities.

Thank you Chairman Crenshaw. I'd like to join you in welcoming Secretary Lew before the subcommittee for the second time. You lead a Department with a variety of missions important to our economy, our government, and our nation as a whole.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement on President Obama's FY 2015 budget request:

"The FY2015 budget and appropriations process offers Congress its best opportunity in years to reject the politics of brinkmanship and crisis management, and instead fulfill our responsibility to invest in our future, create and protect jobs, and support services on which American families rely.

Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would also like to welcome new Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen for his first hearing before the subcommittee. I thank you for your service to our nation, and for undertaking this endeavor at a very challenging time for the IRS.