Pat Ryan: “I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 1865, in particular, division E, the fiscal year 2020 Legislative Branch…”

“I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 1865, in particular, division E, the fiscal year 2020 Legislative Branch appropriations. My thanks go to full committee Chairwoman Lowey and her ranking member, Kay Granger, for putting this entire bill together, not just this subcommittee. This has been an amazing process. I want to thank my minority counterpart, Representative Herrera Beutler, and all who have guided and supported this bill through. I am pleased to announce there is a $213 million increase to the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, 4.4 percent above fiscal year 2019. This bill gives Members and committees the funding needed to improve their constituent services and legislative oversight responsibilities. With this bill, we have been able to increase our Members' representational allowance, support committee budgets, and restore funding shortfalls in the account that pays House health and retirement benefits. The bill will allow an increase in intern allowances, from $20,000 to $25,000 per Member office, so that a more diverse group can apply without worrying about the financial burden of working for free. The bill continues to fund the Wounded Warrior Program, as well as the new congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program.…”