National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

I rise today in support of this second appropriations package to fund the government for fiscal year 2020. I especially want to state my heavy support for this portion of the bill that funds the State Department and our foreign operations around the world.

I thank the distinguished chair, Mrs. Lowey, and the ranking member, Ms. Granger, on their masterful work to shepherd this compromise all the way through the maze that is the Congress to this floor where we sit today.

I especially value Chairwoman Lowey's partnership on the State and Foreign Operations title of this bill, which she also chairs. She and I may differ on some issues--in fact, we do differ on some issues--but on the whole, this bill represents the priorities of Congress in support of our national security.

The agreement includes significant funding to secure our 200-plus diplomatic posts around the world, our embassies, consulates, and the like, and to support critical allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Georgia, and Ukraine. It will allow us to respond to a growing threat that China poses to our security.

In our own hemisphere, the bill prioritizes funding for Latin America as the region continues to face instability from the crisis in Venezuela, as well as from the rampant drug problem and corruption.

The bill also continues vigorous oversight of U.S. assistance, denies funding for the Green Climate Fund, and respects the sanctity of life around the world.

This package also includes a number of provisions of critical importance to my district in southern and eastern Kentucky.

First, there is a strong commitment to our coal miners and the communities where they live. I am exceedingly proud that a bill I cosponsored to protect our retired miners is also included in this bill. It ensures that these hardworking individuals receive the healthcare and the pensions that they have earned. I hope the 100,000 families impacted by this provision will have peace of mind heading into this Christmas season.

This bill also provides $115 million for the Abandoned Mine Lands Pilot Program, which has been monumentally successful in creating new economic development opportunities in Appalachia.

This funding is a strong complement to the Appalachian Regional Commission, which is robustly funded at $175 million in this package. Within the Department of Agriculture, there is strong emphasis on rural infrastructure, including broadband deployment.

I am also proud that my Kentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area Study Act is included in today's package. I have been proud to work with Leader McConnell on this initiative to truly recognize the incredible natural and historic value of eastern Kentucky.

This legislation will also ensure that the veterans in our region receive the care they need and deserve. I advocated for a new pilot program to provide transportation assistance for our Nation's many rural veterans, like those in eastern Kentucky, and I am grateful for the seed funding to get that off the ground.

Finally, nearly $6 billion is provided for opioid addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery, and research into alternative therapies for pain management. A new loan repayment program that is funded in the bill will help get qualified treatment professionals into underserved communities like ours in Kentucky.

But I am especially thankful for the inclusion in this bill of sufficient funds to help us fight the problem of opioid addiction, which got its start in my district some 15 years ago.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I urge support of this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source