John Carter

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 4366, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering, cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), I move to strike the last word.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I am honored to present the fiscal year 2024 military construction, veterans affairs, and related agencies appropriations bill to the House today. This bill is special because it supports our troops and their families and the Nation's veterans. The bill provides $17.5 billion for military construction and family housing projects. This is less than the FY23 enacted amount. However, it is nearly $800 million above the President's request. We focus this investment in the Pacific to deter China's aggressive and coercive actions. We also provide significant funding for new barracks and child development centers. The bill fully funds veterans programs at the level requested by the President. It keeps our promises to veterans, and we do more to help veterans in the Pacific. We also ensure taxpayer funds will be used appropriately and effectively by increasing oversight of several programs. I thank my subcommittee ranking member. Although she disagrees with this bill, she has been a joy to work with, and our partnership has been good. I thank all the people who have worked on this bill and all of their families and the families of the veterans. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4366.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I support the amendment, and I urge its adoption. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, the NATO Security Investment Program is NATO's military construction program. The U.S. contribution supports projects needed by the alliance and also supports U.S. strategy in the region. It does not finance other countries' construction costs, and the cost share is favorable to the United States. The increase included in the bill this year is needed to reinvest in infrastructure in the region to deter Russia's aggression. Literally, this program is a concrete investment in deterrence. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, my arguments are the same. The NATO Security Investment Program is NATO's military construction program. The $73 million increase this year is needed to reinvest in infrastructure in the region to deter Russian aggression. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 614, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, these are noncontroversial amendments and are supported by both sides. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.