Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.
First, I want to thank Chairman Cartwright and Ranking Member Aderholt for their work on the fiscal year 2023 Commerce, Justice, Science, Appropriations bill.
I also want to thank the committee staff for the time and effort they have devoted to this very important bill.
The Commerce-Justice-Science bill supports initiatives that:
- Strengthen the ability of the United States to be competitive around the world;
- Invest in cutting-edge research and technology;
- Protect children and our communities, and
- Help NASA to remain on track to achieve renewed dominance in space.
It provides double-digit percentage increases for many accounts and funds dozens of new programs that are not proven to help our communities.
For example, state and local grant programs – many of which do not have bipartisan support – are increased by 22 percent.
Instead, the bill should do more to stop the endless flow of dangerous drugs coming across our southern border.
In addition to these spending concerns, I am opposed to many of the policies in this bill. For example, the bill drops important provisions carried for years that protect life and support Second Amendment rights.
This is an important bill that we must find a way to get enacted into law, but significant changes will be needed to get Republican support.
I hope we are able to address our concerns as this bill moves through the process.
Thank you, Madam Chair, I yield back.
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