Chairman Quigley Statement at Full Committee Markup of FY 2021 Financial Services and General Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON — Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Chair of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Appropriations Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2021 Financial Services and General Government bill:

Today the committee will mark up the fiscal year 2021 Financial Services and General Government bill.

But before I begin, I would like to start by thanking staff on both sides for their hard work on drafting this bill.

In my personal office that includes Bridget Hogan and Juan Hinojosa.

And on our committee staff on the majority side that includes Matt, Laura, Marybeth, Elliot, Aalok and Parker.

And for the minority, John Martens.

I would also like to thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Graves, for his work and collaboration throughout this process.

While we may not agree on everything, I appreciate his partnership in developing the best possible bill.

He will be missed next year, and I wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors.  

I would also like to thank Chairwoman Lowey, whom I’ve had the pleasure to sever under, for her tremendous leadership and stewardship of this Committee and I would like to extend my thanks to Ranking Member Granger as well.

And, last but not least, I would like to thank Mr. Serrano for all his work on this committee and I wish him well in his retirement.  

Turning to the bill, and I will be brief because I know it has been a long week and we all went to get home.

The bill includes $24.6 billion in discretionary funding.  This is an increase of $808 million above fiscal year 2020.

In addition to this amount we’ve included $67 billion in emergency funding for broadband, Federal buildings, and Land Ports of Entry across the nation.

The bill includes $12.1 billion for the IRS. This account has long been underfunded and with this important investment we will be able to support robust enforcement activities and improve taxpayer customer experience.

I’m pleased to report that we rejected the President’s harmful proposals to eliminate or greatly reduce funding for important programs like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

We also reject the Administration’s efforts to sideline funds to combat the opioid epidemic. Our bill restores critical funding for the Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program and the Drug-Free Communities Program.

Importantly the bill includes $7.8 billion in discretionary appropriations for the Judicial Branch—an increase of $287 million over fiscal year 2020—to fund protective services and physical security needs in courthouses and ensure the continued operations of the Federal Judiciary.  

The bill also increases funding for agencies that protect everyday consumers and retail investors—including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

I am proud that the bill removes harmful policy riders, including many that dictate to the District of Columbia how to manage its own affairs or spend its own money.

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to highlight an issue that has been a priority of mine, funding for the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and specifically funds for election security grants.

The bill includes $500 million for election security grants which are awarded to states to help them acquire resources and equipment to conduct safe and secure elections. It is important we provide reoccurring funds for election security to allow states to be forward looking in their planning.  

In closing, this bill improves economic security of communities across the country and betters the lives of the American public, whether it be improving their tax filing experience, protecting their financial investments, promoting small business creation, or combatting drug trafficking and much more.

I thank the Chairwoman and I yield back.

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