Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of, a minibus of seven fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills:
As Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, I rise today in strong support of the FY22 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill.
First, I would like to thank staff on both sides for their efforts in drafting this bill and preparing it to come to the House floor.
On the majority staff of the committee that includes Laura, Marybeth, Elliot, Aalok, Parker, and Matt.
And for the minority, John Martens.
I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Womack, for his hard work and collaboration on this bill.
I know we may not agree on everything, but I appreciate his partnership in developing the best possible bill during this challenging time.
The bill recommends $29 billion. This is an increase of $4.8 billion above the comparable fiscal year 2021 level.
The bill includes $13.6 billion for the IRS-an increase of $1.7 billion above fiscal year 2021, a first step toward restoring the significant cuts this agency has suffered. The increase will improve enforcement activities and support better customer.
Notably, the bill includes $330 million for Community Development Financial Institutions, which is $60 million above the fiscal year 2021 level to provide critical resources to underserved communities.
In addition, the bill provides $324 million for the Small Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs-which is $52 million above the fiscal year 2021 level.
The bill includes significant funding for the General Services Administration, including $300 million for a new Electric Vehicles Fund, $100 million for GSA to manage climate change risks, and over $1 billion to modernize and improve the GSA real property portfolio by reducing their climate impact and improving resiliency.
The bill also includes $300 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program-an increase of $10 million above fiscal year 2021-and the Drug-Free Communities Program is funded at $110 million.
In lead up to the 250th anniversary, in 2026, of our nation’s founding, the bill includes much needed funding for modernization of the National Archives building, which houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The bill includes $8.15 billion in discretionary appropriations for the Judicial Branch-an increase of $432 million over fiscal year 2021-to fund protective services and physical security needs in courthouses and ensure the continued operations of the Federal Judiciary.
The bill also increases funding for agencies that protect everyday consumers and retail investors-including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
I am also proud that the bill removes several longstanding policy riders that I consider to be harmful, including many that dictate to the District of Columbia how to manage its own affairs or spend its own money or that harm limit transparency in political spending.
Finally, I’d like to take a moment to highlight an issue that has been a priority of mine-election security.
The bill before us today includes $500 million for payments to States to help them meet the challenge of ensuring the real security and integrity of American elections. This represents our continued commitment to long-term funding for election security.
I am proud of the Financial Service and General Government division of this minibus and I encourage your support.
Thank you and I yield back.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
