On the recordSeptember 28, 2016
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 5325, the Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act. The rule makes in order a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations that the House concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5325, with 60 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am always disappointed when we are forced to consider continuing resolutions, especially given the work this House has done in the appropriations process this fiscal year. For 2 years in a row, the House Appropriations Committee was able to complete all 12 appropriations bills--and complete them before the August recess. In addition, this House passed five appropriations bills. Unfortunately, just as in years past, Senate Democrats prevented consideration of many appropriations bills on the floor of that body. This leads us to the unfortunate situation of having to put forward a short-term CR to fund the government through December 9. I hope that in the weeks and months ahead, the House, Senate, and the President can come to an agreement on a path forward which ensures we are not in this same position in December.…





