Debbie Lesko: “I am prepared to close as well, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, in closing, this is the fourth…”

“I am prepared to close as well, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, in closing, this is the fourth time we have deliberated on this floor, in the last 3 weeks, on the exact same type of package. The date keeps changing--sometimes it is February 1; sometimes it is February 8; sometimes it is February 28--but it is all the same. None of them include funding for border security. It is the fourth time that the same result will ensue. The House of Representatives is in a perpetual cycle of Groundhog Day that we cannot seem to escape. Representative Scanlon and I serve, of course, on the Rules Committee together, and it is Groundhog Day. We just say the same things each and every day. Really, let's get to the negotiating table, and, really, let's get something done. The majority seems to be insistent on reviewing these same appropriations packages again and again, fully knowing that the Senate has made clear they will not take up these bills because there is no border security in them. Finally, Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention that this bill is again coming to the floor under a closed rule. Of the eight bills the House has considered under a rule this Congress, seven have been closed, with no opportunity for Members to present new ideas and new amendments. Now, I know that Chairman McGovern has assured us he wants a more open process, and I believe he is sincere in his assurance.…”