Bill Lee: “First, let me thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me and also for her tremendous leadership on so many issues…”

“First, let me thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me and also for her tremendous leadership on so many issues, especially on the Rules Committee. As a members of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, I rise in strong opposition to this rule and the underlying bill, H.J. Res. 123, the fiscal year 2017 continuing resolution. This bill kicks the can down the road for 2 weeks just so Republicans can continue focusing on the greatest tax scam in history. As Ranking Member Lowey has said: What do Republicans think that they can accomplish in the next 2 weeks that they haven't accomplished in the last 2 months? Well, I say: Except, of course, trying to give tax breaks to their wealthy donors, millionaires, billionaires, and corporations, and raising taxes on middle-income and low-income families. That is what this is about. This reckless, short-term resolution ignores many of our critical year-end priorities, like passing a clean Dream Act, a temporary protective status provision we need in the CR; raising budgetary caps; and emergency disaster funding for hurricanes and wildfires, children's health insurance programs, and community health centers. I could go on and on. That is what we should be debating and what should be in this resolution. Now is not the time for Congress to be asleep at the wheel. We need action, Mr. Speaker, and we need it now.…”