José E. Serrano: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in strong support of this bill, the Financial Services and General Government…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in strong support of this bill, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. Mr. Chair, I want to start by congratulating my good friend and colleague, Chairman Mike Quigley, for his leadership in bringing our tenth appropriations bill to the House floor. Speaking from experience, I know this is no easy task, and I am sure that the relationship between he and Mr. Graves will have a final product that we can all vote for. I am proud that the work that has been accomplished here takes care of so many issues. This bill provides $24.95 billion to assist elderly and low-income taxpayers; support our entrepreneurs and grow our small businesses; ensure the products of our store shelves are safe for children and families; protect our economy by policing Wall Street; protect and strengthen the integrity of our election systems; and provide a 3.1 percent pay raise for Federal employees; and, once again, empower the District of Columbia to handle its own local affairs. {time} 1515 The administration has proposed to eliminate the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, risking the public-private investments that are generating economic growth in places like my district in the South Bronx. In response, Congress is investing $300 million for this invaluable program, an increase of $50 million over fiscal year 2019.…”