On the recordOctober 25, 2023
I will again point out that this funding is for the administrative part of the Bureau of Reclamation. It has nothing to do with functions that are chargeable directly to a specific project or program. The Bureau of Reclamation does oversee many important programs. We want to see those programs function properly, and we also want accountability from the executive branch. The executive branch's clear pattern of disregard for congressional oversight indicates an entitled leadership that lacks accountability to the American taxpayer. It is not my goal to have to come to the floor and cut the budget of an agency because they refuse to respond to Congress, but what tools do we have when they will not even come to a hearing that is directly related to the work that they do and when they just act like congressional oversight is an annoyance to them and is nothing serious? My amendment will send a clear message to the executive branch that blatant disregard for congressional oversight is unacceptable. Mr. Chair, I hope this is a bipartisan sentiment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
