Providing for Consideration of H.R. Supplemental Appropriations Respect to Consideration of Certain Resolutions Reported From the Committee on Rules

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Oklahoma for yielding some time.

Madam Speaker, today I regretfully rise in opposition to this rule. The base text of the legislation before us is vitally important. I will admit that. It demonstrates bipartisan--in fact, I would say, really, nonpartisan--efforts negotiated over months between both sides of the aisle to provide desperately needed resources to communities ravaged by hurricanes, typhoons, wildfires, and other disasters in 2018.

But, unfortunately, Madam Speaker, as is becoming all too familiar under Democratic control of the people's House, Democrats are now pulling political stunts, jeopardizing these vital resources from reaching communities who need them the most.

Last night, Democrats on the House Rules Committee stuck a continuing resolution into this appropriations package, thereby sealing the fate that it will not be taken up by the Senate nor signed into law by the President.

Madam Speaker, I find it shameful that House Democrats are playing partisan politics with disaster relief. It is so unfortunate and shameful that Chairman McGovern and Rules Committee Democrats are jeopardizing these funds from reaching the areas that so desperately need them.

Communities pummeled by hurricanes in the Southeast, families devastated by wildfires across the West, territories struck by typhoons in the Pacific will now have to face the fact that help is not on the way.

Madam Speaker, when I learned that the Rules Committee was going to be considering this disaster relief package and allowing amendments on the legislation, I, frankly, was looking forward to coming to the House floor to commend Chairman McGovern for allowing a vigorous process with amendment consideration.

Unfortunately, they chose to play politics with disaster aid, and not only is it disappointing, Madam Speaker, but it is wrong.

Vote no on this rule. Let us send a message to communities devastated by disasters that we will not play politics with the resources they so desperately need to rebuild.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source