PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 268, SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019, AND WAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED...
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-1-16

. Madam , I rise to speak in support for H.R. 268, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides funding for disaster recovery and provides for a short term continuing resolution that would reopen the government. prgtoken My thanks to the leadership of Chairman McGovern for allowing the inclusion of a short-term Continuing Resolution that would reopen the Federal government and allow back pay to over 800,000 federal employees. prgtoken A compassionate and commonsense amendment by Chairwoman Lowey to the Disaster Supplemental will end the Shutdown, reopen the government through February 8, and immediately provide back pay to all impacted federal workers. prgtoken The Federal Government can reopen allowing the Congress and the White House time to negotiate on border security and an agreement on immigration policy. prgtoken I can attest to the importance of Emergency Disaster Supplemental Appropriations to the efforts of communities to recover following Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken Texans, especially those living in the Houston area impacted by Hurricane Harvey continue working towards recovery, which would not have been possible without Federal emergency appropriations. prgtoken We are in the midst of a government shutdown that is unnecessary and wasteful and would impede the use of the very funds provided by this bill. prgtoken Americans who have been affected by natural disasters caused by Hurricanes Florence and Michael and the California wildfires must be able to count on a federal government that is fully open and operating. prgtoken This appropriation measure also includes much needed funds for Puerto Rico, which was not provided with sufficient funding to effect the recovery following the catastrophe caused by an inadequate response by the White House to the disaster. prgtoken Caught in the crosshairs of the government shutdown are 800,000 hardworking government employees who want nothing more than to do an honest day's work, and be fairly remunerated for their efforts. prgtoken More than anyone else, this government shutdown imperils their financial freedom and security, which makes our country less strong. prgtoken Mortgage and rent payments are going unpaid; credit ratings are being damaged; families are being made more insecure. prgtoken This situation requires each member of the House to vote for the Rule and the underlying bill to reopen the government, while providing vital assistance to fellow Americans recovering from major disasters. prgtoken Instead of President ending his shutdown, he is threatening to take Emergency Supplemental funding provided by the 115th Congress to assist with Hurricane Harvey Army Corps projects to address flooding risks posed by future storms, and divert the funding for the construction of his border wall. prgtoken Those disaster funds were appropriated for recovery efforts associated with Hurricanes Harvey, Jose, and Maria. prgtoken This President is so easily consum