Mikulski Disappointed by GOP Continuing Funding Resolution
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to the release of the Republican continuing funding resolution (CR) that would last through April 28, 2017:
“This is deeply disappointing. Appropriators had been working constructively for a year to fulfill our constitutional responsibility to write full year appropriations bills that meet our national security, economic growth and compelling human needs. We had time to finish the job, but Republicans decided to throw away all that progress and put the government on autopilot without consulting their willing Democratic negotiating partners.
“Our principles remain the same: parity between defense and non-defense, no poison pill riders and compliance with the Bipartisan Budget Act. While there are several items that do not belong in a CR like changing the safety rules for truckers and changing Senate procedure for consideration of the Mattis waiver, this CR largely meets our principles. I am encouraged that $872 million is provided pursuant to the CURES Act, $4.1 billion is provided for emergency disaster relief, and $170 million is included for the people of Flint, Michigan. We have an obligation to make sure the Flint-related funds can be spent to save children from permanent lead poisoning damage.
“But I am very frustrated that with America’s deep concerns about national security threats, the Republicans fail to fund a new, consolidated headquarters for the FBI. It is our nation’s lead agency in fighting domestic terrorism. Replacing the current crumbling, sinking and inadequate building will help the FBI meet 21st century threats. The FBI itself has said a new, consolidated headquarters is its number one priority. But instead of doing everything possible to keep Americans safe by funding the FBI headquarters, Republicans continue to procrastinate rather than legislate.”
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