Hearing of the House Appropriations Committee - FY 2016 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill

Hearing

The Financial Services Appropriations bill we have before us today is an excellent bill that
prioritizes its funding wisely, and I commend the Chairman, Ranking Member, and
Subcommittee on their good work in this regard.

This bill covers a wide swath of programs that enable our federal government to do its job. From
preserving an open and fair judicial system, to investing in small businesses that help our
economy grow, this legislation does a great deal of good work, and I am proud to support it
today.

The bill also finds ways to rein in wasteful spending, targeting underperforming agencies for cuts
that are both functional and commensurate with their actions.

While the IRS is certainly an important agency, there is no doubt that, over the past few years, it
has been less than responsible with its budget and has engaged in less than appropriate behavior.
For the agency that is tasked with collecting taxes on the paychecks of hardworking Americans,
this is entirely unacceptable.

That's why I am glad that this bill takes steps to correct the IRS's improper behavior. The bill
cuts funding for the IRS by $838 million - ensuring the agency streamlines its operations and
pares back waste. It also continues strong oversight and prohibits unseemly, inappropriate, and
illicit activities.

These actions will help the IRS clean up its act so it can operate more efficiently and protect the
rights of the American people.

The bill also invests in our judicial system, part of the fundamental fabric of our nation, by
increasing funding for federal courts by $214 million over last year. I am also pleased that the
bill rejects the President's proposed cuts to anti-drug programs like the High-Intensity Drug
Trafficking Areas program and the Drug-Free Communities program.

The funding in this bill is further directed to proven programs that help American businesses
grow and thrive, and away from regulations that inhibit job creation and economic development.
This includes providing $853 million for the Small Business Administration to help those
businesses thrive, so they can create jobs in communities across the nation and contribute
positively to our economy.

In all, I believe the Subcommittee has put forth a strong bill that focuses on the responsible,
efficient funding of key federal programs. The goal of the appropriations process is to invest
wisely and improve the way our government works, and I believe this bill hits that mark.
Thank you again to the subcommittee for bringing this bill before us today. I also want to
acknowledge the staff for their diligent work on this bill.

I ask that the Committee vote yes on this bill today so that we can send it to the House floor
promptly.

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