Rosa DeLauro: “There is no one in charge. No one has authority. No one is responsible. There is no accountability. It is diffuse.”

These funds were provided for lifesaving medical research, not as extra money for the Department of Defense.

This bill is a clear improvement over the House Republican continuing resolution.

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.

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.