Ranking Member DeLauro Floor Remarks in Opposition to the 2024 Legislative Branch Funding Bill

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in opposition to H.R. 4364, the fiscal year 2024 Legislative Branch bill:

I rise in opposition to House Republicans’ 2024 Legislative Branch funding bill.

This bill falls short of ensuring we can continue to grow a strong and well-functioning Legislative Branch that is essential to our democracy.

As an institution, we should be increasing our ability to serve our constituents and recruit and retain talented staff and United States Capitol Police Officers, not merely treading water.

This bill eliminates the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and does nothing to facilitate the use of funds for collective bargaining rights for Congressional staffers. This bill also does not allow Legislative Branch agencies to employ individuals who are authorized for employment under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). We made progress last Congress – but this bill takes us backwards.

Ranking Member Espaillat said this during the markup of this bill, but I believe it is a point we should emphasize again today. We all have an obligation to make sure that our staff, whether they serve here in Washington, DC, or if they serve in our home districts, are safe. I support my colleague’s efforts to increase the funding to bolster their safety.

This bill is not an appropriate venue for divisive and partisan language, especially the extreme and offensive culture wars riders House Republicans have placed in each Appropriations bill we have considered. We should be working together to ensure Congress is able to serve the American People and complete the People’s business safely, securely, and efficiently, our political differences notwithstanding.

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation is required to keep the government open. Bipartisan, bicameral legislation is required to fully fund the Legislative Branch.

It is time for House Republicans to abandon this partisan path to nowhere, and join House Democrats at the negotiating table. We are here and ready to get to work for the American people.

For all these reasons, I cannot support this bill. I yield back.

###