Victoria Spartz: “I just want to say one more time that Congress is supposed to authorize this funding. If we are not doing the job, we…”

“I just want to say one more time that Congress is supposed to authorize this funding. If we are not doing the job, we shouldn't waive the rules. Mr. Chair, are they doing their job or not? If Congress believes, based on consideration, that these funds should be provided, the other side needs to make the case. We can authorize these funds, but they have to be accountable that the funds are used wisely. All it says is unauthorized spending is not going to be waived by Congress. We need to stop waiving and neglecting our job. Maybe if we get a little bit more pressure, we will start doing our job. We should be actually authorizing funds and appropriating funds. If not, then we have to be accountable. I truly believe this is very important for Congress to start looking at spending and start providing proper oversight. I truly believe that this is an issue that I hope will be supported on a bipartisan basis, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Spartz). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”