Frank Mrvan: “I thank Ranking Member Nadler for the time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 357. As a Member of the…”

“I thank Ranking Member Nadler for the time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 357. As a Member of the legislative branch, I take very seriously our responsibility to provide oversight of the executive branch. We must always look to utilize the tools that we have available to us, including through the appropriations process, to ensure accountability and provide the appropriate scope and direction to our Federal agencies. I also believe that elections matter, and that we in the legislative branch should do our utmost to find common ground and advance policies and programs that promote the best interests of our communities. Unfortunately, I believe that this measure goes too far to deliberately hinder Federal agencies from advancing their priorities. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. In addition to exceptions for rules that impact public safety and national security, my amendment would also provide exceptions for rules related to veteran health benefits. As the ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, I believe we must continue to do all we can to work together and advance initiatives that ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits that they have earned.…”