Chairwoman Lowey Statement at Hearing on FY 2020 Commerce Department Budget Request

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks at the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee's hearing on the fiscal year 2020 budget request for the Department of Commerce:

This administration clearly needs to take a course in constitutional law. The power of the purse rests in Congress, and in particular, in the Appropriations Committee.

I am disappointed that Secretary Ross believes publicly justifying his budget request is an optional exercise.

Given his lack of interest, I can’t imagine he is listening to this, but if he were here I would tell him how unacceptable his budget request is.

From eliminating Economic Development Administration grants, which provide funding and technical assistance to economically distressed communities, to seriously underfunding the Census, this request is completely out of touch with the needs of our constituents.

Secretary Ross should be here and his absence disrespects this committee and the appropriations process as a whole.