OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019

Floor Speech

Date: Jan. 16, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Government Budget and Spending

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Chair, I thank the ranking member.

I originally had intended to offer my support for this disaster supplemental package, especially as it relates to agricultural and rural development. But because of the actions of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I can no longer support the bill in its current form.

As the former chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, I worked with my friends and the new chairman, Sanford Bishop, and other Members who represent districts impacted by historical weather-related disasters to provide relief to the farming and rural communities.

However, including the already-failed CR in the rule puts partisan politics above bipartisanship. I cannot support this poison-pill package, especially after all we have heard from our Democratic colleagues about letting the legislative process work.

Members from the Southeast to California, to Hawaii, to all of the communities in between represent districts with agriculture and rural constituencies that have suffered devastating losses in their livelihoods. From cotton to vegetables, to livestock, to losses in my home State of Alabama, as well as Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina, including South Carolina, means lost income now and lost income for the future.

Unfortunately, constituents are being used politically as human shields. Everyone in Democratic leadership knows the President will veto this CR, and it is very unfortunate to have this in the rule.

Our farmers put food on our tables and clothes on our backs. They put in countless hours of labor and take risks. Putting the CR in this bill is making it 100 percent veto bait.

Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to do the right thing and take out the CR, and let the bill proceed to the Senate with a chance of passage.

Madam Chair, when Superstorm Sandy ravaged the Northeast in 2012, the House put aside partisan differences and provided $750 billion. I hope that our Democratic colleagues would look at that and do the same.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward