Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I will start by thanking the chair of the subcommittee for the great work that they did on this bill and for working with us on so many issues. I have one little adjustment I would make that would make the bill even better. I rise in support of my amendment, which would reduce funding for the Council on Environmental Quality from the 2023 level of $3,750,000 to its currently authorized level of $1 million for fiscal year 2024. While I do, again, appreciate the Appropriations Committee's efforts to reduce funding for this account by $926,000 from fiscal year 2023 levels, as well as rescind the $62.5 million of funds made available to CEQ by the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, it is my belief that Congress must go further to hold CEQ accountable for their actions. I am deeply concerned by CEQ's lack of accountability to congressional oversight and their unwillingness to answer basic questions or even answer a letter in a timely manner. Congressional hearings and letters of inquiry are important tools that elected Representatives use to engage directly with administration officials to conduct oversight on policy objectives, openly debate legislation, and spotlight waste, fraud, and abuse occurring in government. These officials have an obligation to be responsive to Congress, engage in the oversight process, and be accountable to the American people.…”