Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (114th Congress)
Membership
Rep. José Serrano, Ranking Member
Rep. Derek Kilmer
Rep. Matt Cartwright
Rep. Grace Meng
Jurisdiction
State Justice Institute
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.
Let me take a moment to highlight a few of these critical programs that I am happy to see included in this bill.
FY 2016 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Act
Highlights and Key Points
The 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill fails to protect the safety and security of hardworking Americans, proposing massive cuts to critical community policing services, law enforcement grants, and priorities important to coastal communities. Further, the bill expands ideological policy riders benefiting special interests to undermine gun safety laws.
2015 enacted: $50.1 billion
2016 President's request: $52.0 billion
2016 House bill: $51.4 billion
Before I make my statement, I'd like to take a moment to congratulate Chairman Culberson on his first CJS bill, as well as Ranking Member Fattah and full committee Chairman Rogers, for their efforts.
The House Republican "Work Harder for Less" budget resolution was opposed by every member on my side of the aisle in part because it makes it impossible to provide the funding necessary in the twelve appropriations bills to grow our economy and give hardworking Americans opportunity to succeed. Democrats much preferred the approach taken by the President, calling for an end to the sequester and more reasonable and realistic budgeting that could help families afford college, a home, and a secure retirement.