On the recordFebruary 26, 2021
This bill isn't about COVID. It isn't about providing relief to struggling Americans. This massive $1.9 trillion spending bill is about checking boxes with Democrat donors, political allies, and left-wing special interest groups. This bill pushes out $350 billion to bail out poorly managed, locked- down blue States, even though tens of billions of taxpayer dollars already provided to them remain unspent. It pushes this money out without guardrails, without strings attached, without certifications of need or accounting requirements. They are irresponsibly and recklessly spending hard-earned American taxpayer dollars. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans on my committee offered comments and amendments to make these dollars less vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse; amendments that targeted actual COVID-19 relief that were tied to important policies, like reopening schools, businesses, and communities. These amendments protected against bailing out underfunded public employee pension plans. They made sure funds were shared equitably with small and rural localities. These amendments prioritized the American people. Mr. Speaker, my Democrat counterparts on the Committee on Oversight and Reform refused to adopt a single one of these amendments. They refused to engage in any meaningful debate. Why? Because they don't want the American people to see where this money is going. Because, sadly, it isn't going to help them.
