Hal Rogers: “I am pleased to support this legislation. I want to commend Chairman Frelinghuysen and Mrs. Lowey for a job well done.…”

“I am pleased to support this legislation. I want to commend Chairman Frelinghuysen and Mrs. Lowey for a job well done. Mr. Speaker, the most important point that I think I could make for many in this Chamber is that if you reject this omnibus spending bill that you all put together during the year, the alternative is a continuing resolution for the balance of the year which will put into effect the spending priorities of the previous administration. The Obama plan will still be in effect if you reject this omnibus bill. For many of us, that is the most important point that we could make. Now, Mr. Speaker, this comprehensive bill responsibly funds key government programs through the rest of the fiscal year. As the battle against ISIS continues, funding for both defense and diplomacy must be a part of our national security framework. Along with strategic increases for the Department of Defense, the omnibus includes critical funding for the Department of State and Foreign Operations. Protecting our diplomats abroad is a top priority, and the bill provides $6.1 billion to carry out that mission. The legislation also upholds our commitments to key international allies like Israel and Jordan and establishes a new $100 million fund to support nations facing Russian aggression. We continue funding for global health, and humanitarian aid, and famine relief, including a new rapid response fund for emerging infectious diseases.…”