Chairman Quigley Statement at Subcommittee 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 Subcommittee's markup of its fiscal year 2021 bill:

Today the subcommittee will mark up the fiscal year 2021 bill. 

In a moment I’ll talk about the mark itself, but first there are few people I would like to acknowledge. I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Graves, for his hard work and collaboration. 

I know we may not agree on everything, but I appreciate his partnership in developing the best possible bill during this challenging time. As this is his last year in Congress and we all wish him and his family well on the next chapter of their lives.

I’d also like to thank the Chairwoman of the Full Committee, Mrs. Lowey, for her tremendous leadership and stewardship of this Committee, as well as the Committee’s distinguished Ranking Member Ms. Granger. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Chairwoman and it truly has been an honor to work with her. I applaud the many accomplishments she has helped achieve for the American people.

And, last but not least, I would like to thank Mr. Serrano for all his work on this committee and his stewardship of his own committee on Commerce, Justice and Science. You will be missed, and we wish you the best of luck.

Onto the bill, the subcommittee’s current allocation is $24.6 billion. This is an increase of $808 million above fiscal year 2020.

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

This year’s appropriations season has looked slightly different from the past, but I commend the committee for proceeding forward.

The bill we have before us today includes $12.1 billion for the IRS—an increase of more than $606 million above fiscal year 2020.

This much needed investment will support enforcement activities that equally address taxpayers in all tax brackets, put customer service first by reducing wait times, and increase support to individuals trying to navigate the complex tax code.

I’m particularly pleased to report that we rejected the President’s harmful proposals to eliminate or greatly reduce funding for small businesses and disadvantaged communities, and instead we increased these programs above the fiscal 2020 levels.

Specifically, the bill includes $273.5 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)—to provide critical resources to underserved communities. And $277 million for the Small Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs.

The bill also rejects the Administration’s efforts to sideline funds to combat the opioid epidemic and continues to fund these programs under the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to ensure this crisis receives the highest level of federal attention it deserves. 

Specifically, $290 million is included for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program and $102 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program.

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. 

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, which deals with issues that are extraordinarily important to the Nation and its ability to conduct reliable, secure, and accessible elections.

The bill before us today includes $500 million for payments to States to help them meet the challenge of ensuring the security and integrity of American elections. It is important we provide long-term funding for election security. 

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.

Overall, I’m pleased with the many ways in which this bill stands to improve the lives of the American public, whether by improving their tax filing experience, protecting their financial investments, promoting small business creation, combatting drug trafficking, I could go on and on.

I look forward to discussing these issues and more in the coming days.

At this time, I would like to yield to the Ranking Member, Mr. Graves, for any opening remarks.

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