Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, it is unfortunate that we are here again today to pass another continuing resolution. I know that the appropriators on both sides of the aisle want to get a full fiscal year 2022 omnibus done as soon as possible.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairwoman DeLauro for her tireless efforts to negotiate a bipartisan agreement with the Senate. We have to pass this CR today because America simply cannot afford a shutdown.

A shutdown would have a disastrous impact on our continuing economic recovery. It would diminish our ability to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. And Europe is facing one of the greatest threats since the end of World War II. Our Federal Government should be sending a strong, unified message to Vladimir Putin that we stand united with our European allies.

As chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I want to highlight a critical life, health, and safety provision in this CR for our brothers and sisters in Hawaii. The fuel leak that occurred at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii last November is nothing short of an environmental catastrophe, one that has impacted thousands of residents. This spill should have never happened. Congress will hold the Department of Defense accountable to make this right.

Today, we provide an additional $350 million for the Department and the services to continue their efforts to address this crisis.

I want to thank my colleagues from Hawaii for leading on this issue, especially Representative Case, who also joins and serves with us on the Appropriations Committee. You will hear from him later, Madam Speaker.

You have my commitment that our subcommittee will do everything we can to stay on top of this. The people in Hawaii impacted by the spill deserve clean drinking water. They deserve to know that their drinking water will be secure. It is just one more reason to support the CR today.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes.'' Let's keep the government open and get the full omnibus across the finish line.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source