Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Center for Transforming Lives.

Whereas in 1907, the Center for Transforming Lives, (formerly the YWCA of Tarrant County) was founded by Fort Worth women as the first YWCA to serve local low-income women. Early services included housing, employment support and social activities.

Whereas in the 1920s, the Center for Transforming Lives founded the local United Way, as well as the local chapters of USO and Red Cross.

Whereas in the 1950s, the Center for Transforming Lives expanded services throughout Fort Worth, as well as Arlington and Parker County.

Whereas in 2013, the Center for Transforming Lives underwent a strategic plan that indicated that further expansion was needed to disrupt the cycle of poverty for women and children. As such, an increase was made in families serviced by homeless services, early childhood education and economic mobility services were added.

Whereas in 2017, the Center for Transforming Lives became a safety net for more than 3,000 women and children in Tarrant County annually.

Whereas in the early 2020s, the Center for Transforming Lives doubled the number of children served annually.

Whereas in 2022, the Center for Transforming Lives is celebrating its 115th anniversary.

Therefore, be it resolved, that we recognize the important work of the Center for Transforming Lives in disrupting the cycle of poverty and moving women and children to a place of prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Texas Congressional District 12's very own TCU Horned Frogs on a memorable college football season.

Even though last night's result was not the one we were hoping for, the Horned Frogs proved to be the ultimate underdog story of the year.

TCU was the smallest college or university to ever play a national championship in the modern era. They have shown great resolve and resiliency this year, which has inspired people across the Nation.

I congratulate Coach Sonny Dykes, quarterback Max Duggan, and all the staff and players on a tremendous season. The whole Fort Worth community is incredibly proud of TCU's accomplishments.

It is a privilege to represent Texas Christian University in Congress, and it was a pleasure to cheer on the team all season. Go Frogs.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this short-term continuing resolution through December 23. I am very disappointed that we are, once again, discussing a CR because full-year appropriations bills have not been signed into law.

I want to explain why we find ourselves in this place. Republican Members opposed the trillions of dollars in nondefense spending that Members on the other side of the aisle pushed through this Congress. That new spending was provided outside the normal process, and it is roughly twice the amount of funding we provide in a year through the annual appropriations bills.

After these unprecedented levels of spending, nondefense programs should not require another large increase in fiscal year 2023. We need to focus on reducing government waste, fighting inflation, and focusing our limited resources on true priorities like border security and our Nation's military.

Democrats have had all year to put bills on the floor that address these concerns and can be signed into law. Time is up. We should be passing a continuing resolution into next year instead of buying more time to rush through a massive spending package.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline), a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize United States Space Force Major Brian K. Scheller on the completion of his Legislative Fellowship with my personal office. Major Scheller has been assigned to my staff since January 2022 and has done an outstanding job as my trusted advisor for national security, foreign operations, space/ technology, and veteran policy issues.

Currently a Systems Engineer and Acquisition Project Manager for the United States Space Force, Major Scheller started his military service by graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 2010. While at the academy, Major Scheller was on the school's basketball team and served as an Assistant Coach for the first year following his commissioning. Throughout his 12 years of service, Major Scheller has been assigned as the F-16 Engineering Liaison at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as well as being deployed for 7 months at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates where he was responsible for leading construction and design projects at the base.

Stateside, Major Scheller served as the Chief of the Director's Action Group where he responded to Congressional Inquiries for the Director of the National Security Space Launch Program. He also served as a Government Mission Integration Manager and led day-to-day operations that culminated in the successful launch of a Lockheed Martin GPS III satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

During his fellowship in my office, Major Scheller was instrumental in helping my staff and I develop the fiscal year 2023 House Defense appropriations bill. His direct contributions will help provide our nation's uniformed men and women with the resources needed to defend our great Nation. Additionally, Texas' 12th district is home to numerous DOD priorities including the F-35 program, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, and thousands of Active Guard and Reserve service members. Major Scheller quickly built a relationship with these entities, mastered their issues, and was essential in helping me fight for them. Additionally, Major Scheller coordinated dozens of engagements with senior administration officials, foreign heads of state, and industry leaders; and was a tireless advocate for servicemembers and veterans.

Servicemembers like Major Brian Scheller are the reason why our Nation's defense forces are the best in the world. On behalf of the 12th District of Texas, I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Brian, his wife Christine, and children Jacob and Keegan, as they continue their military journey in service to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in opposition to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6833, a short-term continuing resolution extending government funding through December 16. I oppose this CR for several reasons.

First, we should be here addressing the border crisis, the energy crisis, and the inflation crisis. This bill does nothing to fix any of these issues. In fact, this bill actually bails out the Biden administration for their failures and provides additional appropriations to put a Band-Aid on some of these problems for a few more months.

For example, this bill includes nearly $2 billion in funding for children and families flooding the border. Providing more funding without changing the policies that led to this crisis will only encourage more migrants to come.

Second, it is unfortunate this bill will be rushed through the House today with just hours to spare to avoid a government shutdown. The American people continue to wonder why Congress can't get its job done until the very last minute and why we don't have more time to review legislation.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing.

Mr. Speaker, as I said before, we all know we must pass the CR to keep the government open. But this bill is a wasted opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis).

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Green).

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, a package of six appropriations bills.

As we sit here today, inflation is 9.1 percent above last year, the highest it has been in more than 40 years. Economists recommend that American households budget an extra $5,000 this year to cover rising prices. That is over $400 a month. Many families simply can't afford this.

Under this administration, prices of everyday goods are skyrocketing. For example, gas prices hit an unprecedented $5 a gallon; energy services, like electricity and natural gas, are up 19 percent; and groceries have increased over 12 percent, the highest jump since 1979.

Americans are paying more for just about everything. The social spending pushed by Members on the other side of the aisle is a key driver of today's inflation. Simply put, record-high spending by the government means record-high prices for the American people. Unfortunately, the bills before us do not reduce spending or reflect the economic realities we face.

Many of these bills receive double-digit percentage increases, including a 70 percent increase for Financial Services and General Government, an 18 percent increase for Interior-Environment, and a 12.2 percent increase for Transportation-Housing and Urban Development.

At a time when Americans are struggling to pay for gas and groceries, the Federal Government should be reducing spending. We should prioritize core responsibilities, such as our national security, and we must cut extravagant social programs.

In addition to my concerns about funding levels, the policies proposed in these bills do not reflect a bipartisan agreement. In particular, the bills before us today drop longstanding pro-life protections that prevent taxpayer funding for abortions. The bills allow for the closure and transfer of dangerous criminals from Guantanamo Bay to the United States and worsen our Nation's energy crisis.

Just a few months ago, we were able to come to an agreement and enact the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills. Those bills continued longstanding policies supported in the past by Members of both parties and drop new controversial provisions. I hope we will be able to do the same this year so that those bills can get to the President's desk and be signed into law.

Madam Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson), the ranking member of Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the ranking member of the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee.

Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. Chair, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce), the ranking member of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mr. Chair, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris), who is the acting ranking member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline), who is a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Chairman, as I said before, the bills before us do not reflect the economic realities we face. At a time of record-high inflation, the Federal Government should be reducing not increasing spending. The priorities included in these bills are simply out of touch with what the American people need.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack), the ranking member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern).

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the Republican leader.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore).

Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in opposition to the en bloc package of amendments. These 46 amendments do nothing to reduce inflation, fix the supply chain, lower gas prices, or bolster our national security. Instead, these amendments continue the majority's trend of inflationary spending increases, including a proposal to increase mandatory spending by another $1 billion, just one example of excess spending.

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office receives an enormous 25 percent increase in this bill, and this en bloc package would increase it even more.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle must understand Americans will not stand for bloated bureaucracy and runaway spending.

Mr. Chair, I urge Members to vote ``no'' on this en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde).

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose).

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this en bloc package of amendments. These 29 amendments include excess funding and policies that expand the scope and reach of the Federal Government. They do this while also limiting our country's energy options and allowing funding for President Biden's executive order on abortion.

Again, Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this en bloc package, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7790, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act.

American families are facing yet another crisis. Parents don't have the access to the formula their children need, and they are angry and they are frightened; and I understand why they are angry and they are frightened.

There are reports that more than 40 percent of baby formula is sold out across the United States. Some families are having to drive hours just so their children don't go to bed hungry.

At a time when Americans are paying record-high gas prices, no one can afford this.

We had the opportunity to work across the aisle on a bipartisan solution to this crisis. Unfortunately, the text we are considering today has not been agreed to by both sides.

I have four concerns about the bill. First, the bill does nothing to force the FDA to come up with a plan to address the shortage. Second, it does nothing to address whether Federal agencies have excess formula that could be directed to American households. Third, it fails to leverage the Federal Government's existing capabilities to transport formula. Finally, the bill gives the FDA an additional $28 million, when funds are already available to address this issue.

Two months ago, we increased the FDA's operating budget by $102 million. This included an $11 million increase specifically for maternal and infant health and nutrition. There is also more than $1 billion that the Department of Agriculture has available to address supply chain issues. My question is: Why can't these existing funds be spent?

Ultimately, I fear that H.R. 7790 will not put more formula on store shelves, and that is why I am opposing this bill. We should take the time to do it right.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris), the acting ranking member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Hinson).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kendall Evelyn Marchant, who is the granddaughter of my distinguished former colleague, Congressman Kenny Marchant, on her graduation from The Hockaday School on May 14, 2022. Kendall was born on December 19, 2003, in Dallas County, Texas to Lindsay (Hill) and Matthew Marchant. She is the sister of Hayden Marchant and the granddaughter of Kenny and Donna Marchant and Rod and Sherry Hill.

Kendall has attended the world-renowned Hockaday School since pre- kindergarten and has consistently made her family proud through her numerous academic and non-academic achievements. During high school, Kendall was on the Head of School List every semester, in addition to earning the Senior History Award, a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal in the National Spanish Exam, and the AP Scholar with Honor distinction.

Kendall also pursued numerous extracurriculars while at The Hockaday School, serving as a member of the school's Honor Council and the co- president of the Hockaday Young Republicans. Due to her keen interest in film, Kendall founded the Hockaday Film Society, where she also served as the group's president. Additionally, Kendall's submission to the All-American High School Film Festival was chosen as an Official Selection, demonstrating her talent in the field.

Finishing out the triple crown of her scholastic accomplishments, Kendall is also a phenomenal athlete who played lacrosse, softball, and was a 3-year member of the varsity basketball team, where she served as Captain in her senior year. Her athletic awards include the Split H award and the Athlete of the Week.

Outside of school, Kendall is very involved with helping her community. She volunteers at the First Baptist Church of Carrollton as an engagement leader and mentor and serves as a tutor with the North Texas Reading Partners Program. She also volunteered at Metrocrest Services during critical months of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to provide food to the most vulnerable.

Lastly, Kendall served as a crew member at the AMC Northpark Theater in 2021 and was active with the North Dallas YoungLife program.

Kendall is most importantly a wonderful and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and granddaughter to her loving family members. She will attend Baylor University in the Fall of 2022 as a University Scholar, with concentrations in History and Neuroscience with a minor in Creative Writing.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Kendall Marchant on her graduation from The Hockaday School and wish her success at Baylor University.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7691, a bill that would provide additional assistance to Ukraine and other partners in the region. Ten weeks ago, we witnessed Russia begin its attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine.

To support Ukraine and our allies during the unprovoked, illegal, and appalling attack, Congress provided nearly $14 billion in emergency funding through the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills. That funding has been crucial in Ukraine's efforts to fight back against Putin's evil invasion.

The bill before us today would provide roughly $40 billion in assistance to address the ongoing conflict. With Russia continuing to take control of the country, more resources are needed to provide military assistance to Ukrainian forces, address the humanitarian crisis created by this conflict, and support our allies in the region.

A large portion of the bill will also go to backfill DOD's weapons and equipment. The United States has the best weapons in the world, and it is critical that we not only supply those to our allies in their time of need, as we have done in Ukraine, but that we ensure our own troops continue to have what they need.

As China, Iran, and North Korea watch our response, we must show the world that America stands firm with its allies and will do what is necessary to protect our interests abroad.

For those reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the former chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and the ranking member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David McWilliam Raser, a hardworking and dedicated staff member of the House Appropriations Committee, who suddenly passed away on February 5th of this year.

Son of David and Denise Raser, Dave was born in Long Island, New York on May 3, 1997. Just a few years later, the Rasers added another member to the family, Emily, who would become Dave's best friend. In the early 2000s, the family headed for warmer weather, moving from New York to Naples, Florida.

Dave grew to become an accomplished young man in his academic, athletic, and service endeavors. He spent much of his time outdoors, whether fishing, hiking, or playing team sports. In fact, Dave and his rugby team--the Naples Bears--went on to win State in 2014. He continued his pursuit of fitness into his professional life, running a marathon and surpassing his goal of running 1,000 miles in 2021.

In high school, he joined the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he rose to the rank of Battalion Commander. Because of his leadership and achievements, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart nominated Dave to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

As fate would have it, Dave instead attended Louisiana State University, where he would receive a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specializing in American government and politics. Before graduating, Dave served as a summer intern for Congressman Thomas Rooney, where he learned the legislative process firsthand, and shortly after receiving his diploma in 2019, Dave moved to Washington, D.C. with hopes of obtaining a full-time position in Congress.

Dave joined the House Appropriations Committee as an intern in 2019 and did such great work that he officially joined my committee staff in 2020. In his role, he served as the ultimate utility player, always willing and eager to assist when needed, regardless of the task at hand. Whether it was preparing materials for hearings and briefings or assisting staff with

reviewing legislation, he worked just as hard as anyone and did so with a heart of gratitude and service. Dave always had a smile on his face and a joyful spirit that uplifted others. He truly made a positive impact on everyone he interacted with.

At the age of 24, Dave passed away just days shy of his two-year work anniversary. Joined by family, friends, and committee staff, his funeral service was held at the same chapel he was baptized in as a child.

Today, May 3rd, would have been Dave's 25th birthday. In honor of his birthday, we celebrate his life and remember the incredible son, brother, and friend he was. Words cannot express how saddened we are at the loss of someone so young and so kind. Dave is dearly missed by his colleagues. On behalf of Congress and the Appropriations Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to Dave's family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2471, a bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of this fiscal year. While it has taken us far too long to get here, I am glad we were able to produce a bill that includes many funding priorities that I support.

Since last summer, I have made it clear that House Republicans would oppose Appropriations bills unless they increase defense spending, restrain nondefense spending, include all longstanding policy provisions, and do not include any poison pill riders.

After months of negotiations, we reached a deal that meets all four of these criteria. The bill before us increases defense spending by roughly 6 percent, which is $4.5 billion above the NDAA; rejects the President's proposed 16 percent increase in nondefense spending; includes the Hyde amendment and other critical pro-life policies; and drops other controversial language.

For defense, the bill provides our military and our troops with the resources they desperately need. The roughly $42 billion increase in defense spending across all the appropriations bills will improve military readiness, start key modernization initiatives, and support our brave warfighters and their families so they can improve their quality of life.

The package also contains an additional $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome to allow Israel to replace the interceptors that were used in the most recent conflict.

The bill also ensures the safety and security of the American people by increasing overall funding for Homeland Security by 11 percent, including increases for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

New funding is also included to increase staff for the Border Patrol, which would address the crisis at our southwest border.

Because of this bill, President Trump's successful remain in Mexico program will continue, and President Biden's plan to cancel existing border wall funding will be rejected.

I am proud to say that this bill not only funds the police, it increases resources for law enforcement agencies to address the troubling nationwide increase in crime.

Also before us today is crucial assistance to help the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian Government respond to Russia's invasion. I know we all share the feeling of shock and grief as we witness Russia's attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine and its aggression across innocent people.

To close, I want to thank my colleagues, Chairwoman DeLauro, Senator Shelby, Senator Leahy, and the subcommittee chairs and ranking members for their work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the items in this bill that enhance our national security, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the former chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the ranking member of the Defense Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from California.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This 4-day CR ensures that there is enough time for the omnibus package to be processed and implemented.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 6617, a short-term continuing resolution through March 11.

I am disappointed to be on the House floor today to speak on another CR and not a full-year appropriation bill. It was my hope that, by now, we would have finalized our work for fiscal year 2022. While conversations are ongoing, we need more time to complete our work.

No one wants to have a CR, but the alternative is much worse. If we don't pass a CR by next week, we could have an unnecessary and costly government shutdown. I think both sides agree that would be disastrous, especially for our national security.

This bill keeps the government open for another 3 weeks and ensures the continuation of basic Federal responsibilities, such as national defense, border security, and care for our veterans.

The bill also includes defense-related anomalies that fund the on- time development of Columbia-class submarines, DOD's top modernization priority; it provides flexibility to counter threats like Russia; it equips DOD to address the Navy's Red Hill fuel leak that displaced servicemembers and their families; and it continues development of critical cybersecurity systems.

Madam Speaker, I am hopeful that this CR will give us time to work out our differences and pass bipartisan, full-year bills. We will not be able to achieve this goal unless we find consensus on spending levels and know that controversial policies have been dropped. I have been very clear about what House Republicans need to support a final product. We will not support partisan bills that include irresponsible spending increases or extreme policies.

Madam Speaker, I urge support for the 3-week CR before us, and I look forward to the additional time to finish this year's appropriations process.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this bill.

I would now like to take some time to honor one of my committee staff, Dave Raser, who passed away suddenly on Saturday. At just 24 years of age, he worked just as hard as anyone and did so with a heart of gratitude and service.

Dave joined my staff as an intern in 2019 and did such a great job that he officially joined my staff in 2020. Next week, we would have celebrated his 2-year anniversary with the committee. He always had a smile on his face and a joyful spirit that uplifted everyone. He truly made a positive impact on everyone he interacted with.

On behalf of Congress and the Appropriations Committee, I offer our sincerest condolences to his family, especially his sister, Emily, whom he greatly admired and cherished.

Words cannot express how saddened we are at the loss of someone so young and so kind.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.