DeLauro Statement on House Republicans’ Proposed Spending Cuts

January 6, 2023
Press Release

House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member-elect Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today released the following statement on reports that House Republicans are trading cuts to critical spending for votes in support of Representative-elect Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become Speaker of the House of Representatives:

“Appropriations bills are must-pass bills. In order to pass them, there has to be a bipartisan, bicameral agreement like Democrats secured in December. Given the rumors swirling around Representative-elect Kevin McCarthy’s secret spending deals, it does not appear that Republicans understand the appropriations process.

“In an attempt to become the next Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy is reportedly promising to cap spending at 2022 levels in exchange for Speaker votes. This backroom deal not only contradicts Republican calls for transparency, but it also kills the 2024 government funding process before it has even started, all but guaranteeing a shutdown.

“These types of cuts would harm communities and families across the United States who are already struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living. They put support for our Veterans, law enforcement, small businesses, and military families at risk. From cuts to public health investments to decreases in funding for education, this secret deal endangers so much of the progress we made to help children and families, create better-paying jobs, strengthen our national security, and protect our environment.

“This chaotic process to elect a Speaker of the House is unprecedented and dangerous. I certainly hope these reports of cuts to critical funding are false. We cannot have a future Speaker trading funding that helps communities and protects our national security for personal gain.”

118th Congress