Lincoln Diaz-Balart: “House Resolution 552 is a standard rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R.…”

“House Resolution 552 is a standard rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2215, the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act and against its consideration. It has been over 20 years since Congress last authorized appropriations for the Department of Justice. This conference report that we are preparing to consider takes the long overdue step of putting our mark on the vital justice programs and funding levels that we have addressed solely through appropriations, since the 96th Congress. This conference report is a product of a careful deliberative bipartisan process. Every member of the conference committee, Republican and Democrat, House and Senate, has signed the conference report. I believe that all of the conferees, especially the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman, and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the ranking member, should be commended for their work. The conference report establishes fundamental and budgetary administrative authorities that simplify, harmonize, and clarify over 2 decades of statutory authorities. Few times in our national history has it been so important that we update and provide direction to the Department of Justice. The conference report helps the Department of Justice to adjust to the new century and the new challenges facing America.”