Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, this bipartisan en bloc amendment before you is comprised of 23 amendments offered by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This en bloc contains proposals that would strengthen the underlying bill, and I want to highlight just a few. The en bloc will provide additional funding to bolster investigations for exploited children with Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations. It will increase the nonintrusive inspection equipment at CBP ports of entry to improve detection of fentanyl and other opioids that plague communities across our country. It would also increase funding for FEMA grant programs, for firefighters and other first responders, and for physical security for nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist attack. Lastly, I want to highlight a proposal that would strengthen our National Urban Search and Rescue Response System. I was on the ground in Maui last month and learned firsthand the critical role these teams play in saving lives and protecting communities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The base bill includes a modest increase for this program, but I strongly support the proposal to further increase funds for this force- multiplying Federal asset. Again, I thank my colleagues for their participation in this process, and I urge Members to support this bipartisan en bloc. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”