Ken Calvert: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee has done a…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee has done a tremendous job navigating all these bills through a very difficult negotiation in such a short timeframe. Her steady leadership, experience, and focus completing this difficult task was critical to ensuring an end product that will garner Republican support and that the President will sign. I also want to thank Chairwoman Lowey for keeping the process on track during the very difficult political times that we are in. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to my chairman, Mr. Visclosky, from the great State of Indiana. Mr. Visclosky has been a tremendous partner to me and our side of the aisle throughout this whole process maintaining the bipartisan nature of the Defense Subcommittee. He has been very gracious and accommodating, and I thank him sincerely. I look forward to continuing to work in a collaborative manner during the coming year. The bill includes $693 billion for the Department of Defense, including $624 billion in base funds, $70.7 million for Overseas Contingency Operations, and $1.8 billion in disaster assistance. In total, this bill is nearly $19 billion more than the fiscal year 2019 level. After thoughtful negotiations between the House and the Senate, we have a good, balanced bill that we look forward to passing in both Chambers and getting to the President for his signature.…”