Hal Rogers: “I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation to keep the…”

“I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation to keep the District of Columbia operating as usual while Congress works to sort out its fiscal differences. I have to admit I'm really surprised to hear my good friend from New York--and we are good friends--oppose this bill. This bill provides for the District of Columbia to use its money to provide the services that we all enjoy in this Capital City. I can't believe the gentleman would oppose this bill. This is a clean funding mechanism, nearly identical to what was included in the initial clean continuing resolution I introduced on September 10. This legislation gives the District access to local funding at the current annual rate of $6.8 billion until December 15 or until full- year appropriations have been signed into law. This funding is solely local and does not come out of the Federal coffers. These funds will support critical District programs that its people rely on--law enforcement, safety, schools, and other essential municipal activities. I can't believe that I'm hearing opposition to this from that side of the aisle--or any side of any aisle. This legislation will help clean up one portion of the difficulties caused by a shutdown, and it makes one more critical next step toward reopening the entire Federal Government.…”