Hal Rogers: “We present now the bill to fund the Federal Government for the remainder of the fiscal year. This legislation provides…”

“We present now the bill to fund the Federal Government for the remainder of the fiscal year. This legislation provides funding for essential Federal programs and services, helps maintain our national security, and takes a potential government shutdown off the table. The House passed a very similar version of this bill just 2 weeks ago, and yesterday the Senate passed their version of this legislation. Now it's back before the House today for our final stamp of approval. I'm sure I don't need to remind the Members of the deadline that we face here. The existing continuing resolution expires next Wednesday, so it's vital that we get this bill to the President for his signature straightaway. The total funding provided in the bill remains at $984 billion, the level required by the President's sequestration order. To summarize the contents of this bill briefly, Mr. Speaker, it contains full funding for the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, exactly what the House approved the other week. Without the additional flexibility provided in this bill, the Pentagon could face severe funding constraints, even beyond sequestration, potentially jeopardizing our national security. In addition to addressing our military equipment and readiness needs, it also provides for the quality of life and health of our troops and veterans.…”