Shelby Applauds Bipartisan Cooperation, Encourages Colleagues to Support FY20 Spending Packages to Fully Fund Govt
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today delivered remarks on the Senate floor ahead of procedural votes on two comprehensive appropriations packages containing all 12 FY2020 bills – H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865. The legislation was passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Chairman Shelby thanked his colleagues for their bipartisan work and urged them to support the packages in an effort to protect our Southern border and deliver funding for our troops on the ground – providing our men and women in uniform with the resources needed to protect our nation.
“Bipartisan cooperation has made this possible. Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger on the House side; Vice Chairman Leahy and myself on the Senate side – I believe the four of us have shown once again that if given the opportunity, we will find a bipartisan path forward to get the job done. But I would be remiss if I did not recognize all Members of the Appropriations Committees on both sides of the aisle and the Capitol – our subcommittee chairs and ranking members, in particular. We would not be here without their diligence and willingness to work together. Finally, I want to thank the Leaders on both sides; and I especially want to acknowledge the role played by Secretary Mnuchin. They negotiated the budget agreement that paved the way for these bills, and they helped guide them down the stretch,” stated Chairman Shelby.
“All in all, these bills accommodate countless Member priorities on both sides of the aisle. I want to thank all my colleagues for the input they provided at the outset of this process. And now, as we approach the finish line, I ask for their support. As the clock winds down, let’s come together and do what seemed so unlikely just a month ago: fund the entire federal government before the Christmas break.”
The legislation maintains critical transfer authorities for the border wall and immigration enforcement, and provides $1.375 billion for the border wall system to be spent in accordance with the Administration’s Border Security Improvement Plan. The funding measures also include an increase of $22 billion in defense spending to continue rebuilding our nation’s military, and provide our men in women in uniform with a 3.1 percent pay increase – the largest in a decade. Following cloture on the measures, the Senate will vote on passage of the packages prior to the funding deadline of Friday, December 20, 2019.
Chairman Shelby’s full remarks, as prepared, are as follows:
“Just a few weeks ago, Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 20th.
“At that time, few, if any, predicted we would pass all twelve appropriations bills in such a small window of time.
“Yet today, we are poised to do just that.
“Mr. President, bipartisan cooperation has made this possible.
“Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger on the House side; Vice Chairman Leahy and myself on the Senate side.
“I believe the four of us have shown once again that if given the opportunity, we will find a bipartisan path forward to get the job done.
“But I would be remiss if I did not recognize all Members of the Appropriations Committees on both sides of the aisle and the Capitol – our subcommittee chairs and ranking members, in particular.
“We would not be here without their diligence and willingness to work together.
“Finally, I want to thank the Leaders on both sides; and I especially want to acknowledge the role played by Secretary Mnuchin.
“They negotiated the budget agreement that paved the way for these bills, and they helped guide them down the stretch.
“Secretary Mnuchin, in particular, has been a voice of reason and a driving force in our ability to get to yes.
“Mr. President, I believe these are good bills that my colleagues can be proud to support.
“I do not have time to go into all the particulars, but I do want to hit a few high points as I see them.
“First – always first – America’s military, our national security.
“Defense spending is increased by $22 billion over the previous fiscal year in these bills.
“Our men and women in uniform receive the largest pay increase in a decade, at 3.1 percent.
“And our veterans can rest assured that they will get the health care they earned and deserve through funding of the VA Mission Act.
“These are victories for America.
“Turning to Homeland Security – very important as well, Mr. President.
“$1.375 billion is provided for the border wall system.
“And, the President will have much greater flexibility on where he can build along the Southern border.
“Not only that, but the President retains critical transfer authorities that will allow him to devote additional resources to border security and immigration enforcement, as necessary.
“Again, the objective – and I believe the outcome – is to make America stronger.
“The last thing I’ll mention before wrapping up: these bills maintain all legacy policy riders to protect life and the Second Amendment.
“These provisions have long been foundational to the strength of America, and I am proud to assure my colleagues that we carry them forward.
“All in all, Mr. President, these bills accommodate countless Member priorities on both sides of the aisle.
“I want to thank all my colleagues for the input they provided at the outset of this process.
“And now, as we approach the finish line, I ask for their support.
“As the clock winds down, let’s come together and do what seemed so unlikely just a month ago: fund the entire federal government before the Christmas break.
“Mr. President, before I yield the floor I want to quickly thank all of the staff for their hard work and dedication to completing these bills.
“They have worked tirelessly on our behalves, and I am grateful for their efforts.
“And with that I yield the floor.”
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