On the recordMay 19, 2015
I want to note for the Members that this would be the first time that I am actually opposing an amendment that cuts the Open World program. Initially, when I became chair of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee 8 years ago, this program was at $14 million. I have consistently tried to cut this program and move its funding to the State Department bill for every single year since then. We have not been successful, but we are only at $5.7 million now, which is a more appropriate amount. We are, as I said, in general debate. This funding going somewhere else in the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill would be more appropriate. Since we are sending it out of the bill in a bill that is already inadequately funded, it is not an amendment I can support. At this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry), who wishes to speak in opposition to the amendment.
