Nita Lowey: “A budget is a statement of our values, and an appropriations bill puts those values into action. That is why this bill…”

“A budget is a statement of our values, and an appropriations bill puts those values into action. That is why this bill invests for the people. We have chosen to strengthen critical domestic initiatives that give every American a better chance at a better life. We have invested in a mix of defense, diplomacy, and development that will keep our country safe and restore our reputation in the world. This MTR is a chance, it is an opportunity for Republicans to share these priorities and explain how they would do things differently. And with this MTR, the minority is giving a clear answer. They have no plan, no priorities, no idea of where we go for the good of our country. Instead of working to strengthen our Nation, Republicans' only proposal is to slash funding that working families depend on. Mr. Speaker, just consider the many critical activities that this MTR attacks: Head Start centers for our children; childcare assistance for families; support for students and teachers; job training for unemployed workers; resources to address the opioid epidemic; lifesaving medical research at the NIH; water infrastructure projects; energy efficiency and transformational science. All of these initiatives would be delayed, delayed, delayed. Mr. Speaker, the minority wants to tell you that this amendment is about responsible funding levels, and that couldn't be further from the truth. So let me set the record straight.…”