Rick Allen: “We are nearly 6 months into the Democratic- controlled House of Representatives, and here we are debating amendments to…”

“We are nearly 6 months into the Democratic- controlled House of Representatives, and here we are debating amendments to an almost $1 trillion minibus, $176 billion above current budget caps, without even a glimpse of a fiscal year 2020 budget proposal from House Democrats. You might ask, how did we get to this point? Well, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are operating on a premise that an increase in defense spending justifies increases in nondefense spending across the board. Now and always, strengthening our defense should remain priority number one, but providing more than twice as much additional funding in fiscal year 2020 for nondefense programs as for defense programs is simply irresponsible. Additionally, if Congress does not come to a budget cap agreement, these spending levels would lead to sequestration, which would be devastating to our military. Folks, as a former business owner and someone who has experience operating within a budget, I am appalled by the lack of fiscal responsibility being shown here today. With an almost $22 trillion national debt, this minibus is a complete disservice to our country and our fellow Americans. If we wish to avoid passing an insurmountable debt along to the future generations, we must act immediately to tighten the purse strings on Washington's spending habits. My amendment today is simple. It would reduce State and Foreign Operations spending by 1 percent for fiscal year 2020.…”