Rosa DeLauro: “I wish we could apply the methodology that you have just outlined to other departments in taking a look at what might be…”

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.

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

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.