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Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
A few weeks ago, I was saddened to learn that this will be Chairman Crenshaw’s last term in Congress, and his last year in charge of this subcommittee, so let me begin by thanking you for the partnership we have had on this subcommittee over the years. Although we don’t agree on everything, you have always been fair, direct, and honest with our side in the way you have conducted this subcommittee. You have tried to find common ground and to accommodate us when you are able. We may disagree on some of the priorities of this subcommittee, but we have never been disagreeable.
Mr. Chairman, as I did last week, I want to begin by commending you for the open and bipartisan process you have led this spring, which has culminated in the fiscal year 2017 T-HUD bill before us. In your tenure as Chairman, you have continued to accommodate Subcommittee Members—both Republicans and Democrats—and it’s been a pleasure working with you again this year.
As you have already stated, this year’s mark includes $58.19 billion for critical transportation, housing, and community development programs at DOT, HUD, and related agencies. This represents an increase over last year’s funding level and reflects a much more favorable allocation than last year. Although I don’t agree with everything in this bill—and I plan to offer an amendment to strike several problematic policy riders—I’m supportive of the Chairman’s mark.
I want to thank Chairman Simpson for his bipartisan approach in preparing this bill. I also thank Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey for their efforts throughout.
To our dedicated staff--Donna Shahbaz and Taunja Berquam, the Republican and Democratic clerks, as well as the rest of the committee staff: Matt Anderson, Angie Giancarlo, Loraine Heckenberg, and Perry Yates--their countless long hours, late nights, weekends, and thoughtful insight are so critical to helping America prepare this legislation.
In February, the World Health Organization declared Zika a public health emergency of international concern, and the President called for $1.9 billion to respond to the impending crisis and prevent the spread in our very own communities.
According to the National Governors Association, "The nation is on the threshold of a public health emergency." In a separate letter, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and National Association of County and City Health Officials wrote to "urge Congress to provide emergency supplemental funding for Zika rather than repurpose money from other high priority programs." I ask unanimous consent to submit both letters for the Record.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First I would like to say thank you to you and your staff.
You have been a good partner, and I look forward to continuing to work with you throughout this process.
I know that while we may have a difference of opinion on several issues, we do share a large number of priorities, and I look forward to continuing to work with you on these topics.
The topline CJS funding allocation in this bill is essentially flat from last year. This allocation is inadequate to fund the many vitally important public investments covered by this subcommittee.
Before I get into that, first, let me stress how thankful I am for Chairman Culberson’s help in making sure many core programs were sufficiently funded in this bill.
Chairman Frelinghuysen, I would like to begin by conveying my deep appreciation for your steady leadership of the Defense Subcommittee. Your commitment to this subcommittee’s tradition of cooperative bipartisanship is unwavering and it is a pleasure working with you.
I also would like to express my gratitude to Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, and the other Members of the Subcommittee for their efforts. And thank you to the Subcommittee staff and the associate staff for their hard work.
I also want to take this opportunity to mention our subcommittee colleagues who will be leaving the House at the end of the 114th Congress – Mr. Crenshaw and Mr. Israel. Both have made valuable contributions during their tenure on this Committee and in the House. They will be missed.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement regarding House Republicans’ Zika supplemental appropriations bill:
“Three months after President Obama requested emergency funding to protect American communities from the Zika virus, the Republican majority’s response is completely insufficient given the severity of the public health emergency facing the Western Hemisphere.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement on the release of the majority’s FY2017 Defense Appropriations bill.
Thank you Mr. Chairman. The Legislative Branch Appropriations bill is $72 million above the fiscal year 2016 enacted bill.
After many years, I think it is appropriate to begin to provide relief to legislative branch agencies. I want to thank the full Committee Chairman, Mr. Rogers for understanding the challenges posed by years of cuts and providing an allocation to begin rebuilding the capacity of Congress to do the people’s work.
I began on this Committee and subcommittee in January of 2007. Liz Dawson, the majority clerk, was the minority clerk at the time and I like to joke that we started off rocky but I have come to rely on her counsel.
Mr. Chairman, I think that relationship is important to explain the bipartisan nature of this bill.