Norma Torres: “Today the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 829. The rule provides for consideration of H.R.…”

“Today the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 829. The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6119 under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations and one motion to recommit. The rule also provides that requested roll call votes on suspension bills considered on November 30, December 1, or December 2 may be postponed through December 10. Finally, the rule provides for recess instruction suspension authority and same-day authority through January 21, 2022, and allowing the House to convene the second session of the 117th Congress on January 10, 2022. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to consider a continuing resolution to keep our government open and operating for the American people. A continuing resolution will allow the Appropriations Committee to complete its work on full-year appropriation bills and provide needed funding to many critical programs that help our small businesses, our veterans, our local governments, and so much more. It is, frankly, a bit disturbing that we need a structured rule for this very basic function. I think it speaks volumes that the other side seems uninterested in engaging in our most essential responsibilities. I would say I was surprised but, sadly, this appears to be just another step in a long line of attempts to undermine needed accountability and investment this year.…”