Conference Report on H.R. Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019
Floor Speech
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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I simply want to add my appreciation and thanks to the chairman and ranking members that you have just heard from for this momentous agreement before us today. And I would like to especially commend our big chairman, Frelinghuysen, for the work he has done on this bill, but, more importantly, the work he has done throughout his career in this body.
Mr. Frelinghuysen, you are a great friend, a great Member of this body, a great leader, and you will be missed.
Once again, we are demonstrating that the Appropriations Committee can and will do everything in our power to get the job done. I especially appreciate the committee's continued commitment to address the addiction crisis.
This bill maintains a comprehensive focus on prevention, treatment, and education, following the holistic model of Operation UNITE in my congressional district, and it provides a record $6.6 billion toward those programs.
You have all heard me talk endlessly, if you will, about the devastation brought by opioid abuse touching so many lives around the country over the last 20 years. Chairman Cole has been a truly incredible leader and partner in combating this epidemic, and I am confident that this bill will bring substantial relief to our communities in need.
I would also like to thank the conference committee for their work to ensure that the Department of Defense not only receives the funding it needs, but that its funding is finalized before the beginning of the fiscal year to allow them to plan.
For too long, some say 22 years, we in Congress have not delivered this bill in time to allow the Department to operate as it should with its full allotment of funding on October 1.
When combined with the Energy and Water and MILCON-VA bills that are already law, this bill does exactly that and provides the Department of Defense with the funds it needs to defend American interests and values around the world, including a well-deserved pay raise for the men and women in uniform who serve bravely under our flag.
Thank you again for your collective leadership. This is a great agreement, and I urge its support.
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