Steny Hoyer: “I thank Ranking Member Lowey and Chairman Rogers for their leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, there is no such thing…”

“I thank Ranking Member Lowey and Chairman Rogers for their leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, there is no such thing as a perfect bill. There are a number of things about this bill that I would change--and, to that extent, I am probably like everybody else in this House--and that I opposed when they were brought to the floor on their own; specifically, ending the 40-year ban on crude oil exports. However, this bill, in addition, fails to include language that will enable Puerto Rico to restructure its debt at no cost to the taxpayer, which is a resource the Puerto Rican Government deserves to avoid real harm to our citizens living on the island. The Speaker has indicated a willingness to work across the aisle on this early next year. We must do so. But this omnibus represents a compromise that will avert a government shutdown and continue our investment in national security, education, housing, public health, innovation, environmental protection, and maintaining justice. No one--as never happens--is going to get everything they want or prevent everything they oppose from being included. Businesses and workers across our country deserve the certainty that comes from ensuring that our government remains open and serving the American people. I am glad that the most egregious partisan policy riders were removed from this bill. I congratulate Mr. Rogers and Mrs. Lowey for that accomplishment.…”