Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chair, I ask the chairman of the committee to please accept my compliments for all he has done to help make appropriations great again. I have certainly enjoyed watching the statesmanship, the bipartisanship, and the bringing of the appropriations process back to its relevancy.

Mr. Chairman, turning to the NSRP bill, I would like to say that this bill reflects a clear understanding that putting America first also means leading abroad with strength, accountability, and purpose. It strengthens our diplomatic and security tools. It reinforces our alliances, and it counters adversaries who seek to exploit instability around the world.

It sends an important message that strong alliances require shared responsibility. Our partners must contribute to their own defense if they expect continued support from the United States, protecting American taxpayers while keeping our alliances credible. It also reinforces accountability in our own hemisphere by standing up for American companies and the rule of law.

Just as important, this bill cuts off funding pathways that could benefit the Taliban and other terrorist organizations, and it continues to shine a light on Russian atrocities in Ukraine, including the abduction of Ukrainian children. This legislation reflects American leadership, strength, and moral clarity, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Chairman, while the FSGG bill contains many important provisions, I would like to touch base on one key provision that is important to the folks back in North Carolina.

This bill is about accountability, and nowhere is that clearer than in how it addresses the United States Postal Service's failure in western North Carolina. Nearly 1 year after Hurricane Helene, five post offices in my district remain closed, forcing families, seniors, and small businesses to drive 30 minutes or more just to access basic mail service.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chair, that is why I fought to include two provisions that bring real oversight and real answers. First, the United States Postal Service is now directed to report to Congress within 90 days with a concrete plan to reopen and restore service, including in western North Carolina. Second, the Postal Service's Inspector General must submit a specific reopening plan for facilities closed due to Hurricane Helene.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source