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Thank you, Chairman Yoder, Ranking Member Roybal-Allard, and Chairman Frelinghuysen for your work on this bill.
At the outset, I would like to acknowledge that this is the last markup over which Chairman Frelinghuysen will preside. He is going to accomplish a great deal in the remaining months of the 115th Congress, but I cannot let this opportunity pass without saying a few kind words.
From serving in the Army during the Vietnam War to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the New Jersey General Assembly, and the halls of Congress, you have dedicated your life to public service.
Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Interior-Environment and Financial Services and General Government minibus that fails the American people by slashing environmental protection, rolling back consumer protections, and even cutting basic election security funding.
With bills this bad, it is no wonder Republicans have abandoned all pretense of regular order, grouped two unrelated appropriations bills together, and blocked numerous Democratic amendments. These bills are the product of Republicans' misguided priorities. Instead of using the $18 billion increase in non-defense discretionary spending to create jobs and grow our economy, Republicans have chosen to waste those resources on an unnecessary border wall and cruel attacks on immigrant families.
This week, the House is expected to consider the FY 2019 Interior-Environment appropriations bill as part of a two-bill minibus. This Republican bill puts the health and safety of the American people at risk by slashing critical funding for environmental protection. Ideological policy riders continue the assault on our environment by undermining protections for our land, water, air, and biodiversity. A full summary of the minibus is available here.