Rosa DeLauro: “And you are saying putting all these programs in a pot, decreasing the funds, everything is going to be fine.”

Circumventing Congress to divert money intended to help Americans who are exposed to HIV, influenza, tuberculosis, and other deadly diseases—and directing those funds to the Department of Defense—is beyond the pale.

Not only is freezing the money in this proposal illegal, but the administration has also clearly been unlawfully impounding funds all year just to get to this point.

When Democrats reclaim control of Congress next year, the House Appropriations Committee will work to uncover and reverse misuses of taxpayer money like this and hold those who abused their power accountable.

I am glad that federal support is on its way through this SBA disaster declaration for the businesses, residents, and communities that were impacted by devastating flash floods last month.