Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7790, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act. American families are facing yet another crisis. Parents don't have the access to the formula their children need, and they are angry and they are frightened; and I understand why they are angry and they are frightened. There are reports that more than 40 percent of baby formula is sold out across the United States. Some families are having to drive hours just so their children don't go to bed hungry. At a time when Americans are paying record-high gas prices, no one can afford this. We had the opportunity to work across the aisle on a bipartisan solution to this crisis. Unfortunately, the text we are considering today has not been agreed to by both sides. I have four concerns about the bill. First, the bill does nothing to force the FDA to come up with a plan to address the shortage. Second, it does nothing to address whether Federal agencies have excess formula that could be directed to American households. Third, it fails to leverage the Federal Government's existing capabilities to transport formula. Finally, the bill gives the FDA an additional $28 million, when funds are already available to address this issue. Two months ago, we increased the FDA's operating budget by $102 million. This included an $11 million increase specifically for maternal and infant health and nutrition. There is also more than $1 billion that the Department of Agriculture has available to address supply chain issues. My question is: Why can't these existing funds be spent? Ultimately, I fear that H.R. 7790 will not put more formula on store shelves, and that is why I am opposing this bill. We should take the time to do it right. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris), the acting ranking member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Hinson).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kendall Evelyn Marchant, who is the granddaughter of my distinguished former colleague, Congressman Kenny Marchant, on her graduation from The Hockaday School on May 14, 2022. Kendall was born on December 19, 2003, in Dallas County, Texas to Lindsay (Hill) and Matthew Marchant. She is the sister of Hayden Marchant and the granddaughter of Kenny and Donna Marchant and Rod and Sherry Hill. Kendall has attended the world-renowned Hockaday School since pre- kindergarten and has consistently made her family proud through her numerous academic and non-academic achievements. During high school, Kendall was on the Head of School List every semester, in addition to earning the Senior History Award, a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal in the National Spanish Exam, and the AP Scholar with Honor distinction. Kendall also pursued numerous extracurriculars while at The Hockaday School, serving as a member of the school's Honor Council and the co- president of the Hockaday Young Republicans. Due to her keen interest in film, Kendall founded the Hockaday Film Society, where she also served as the group's president. Additionally, Kendall's submission to the All-American High School Film Festival was chosen as an Official Selection, demonstrating her talent in the field. Finishing out the triple crown of her scholastic accomplishments, Kendall is also a phenomenal athlete who played lacrosse, softball, and was a 3-year member of the varsity basketball team, where she served as Captain in her senior year. Her athletic awards include the Split H award and the Athlete of the Week. Outside of school, Kendall is very involved with helping her community. She volunteers at the First Baptist Church of Carrollton as an engagement leader and mentor and serves as a tutor with the North Texas Reading Partners Program. She also volunteered at Metrocrest Services during critical months of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to provide food to the most vulnerable. Lastly, Kendall served as a crew member at the AMC Northpark Theater in 2021 and was active with the North Dallas YoungLife program. Kendall is most importantly a wonderful and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and granddaughter to her loving family members. She will attend Baylor University in the Fall of 2022 as a University Scholar, with concentrations in History and Neuroscience with a minor in Creative Writing. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Kendall Marchant on her graduation from The Hockaday School and wish her success at Baylor University.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7691, a bill that would provide additional assistance to Ukraine and other partners in the region. Ten weeks ago, we witnessed Russia begin its attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine. To support Ukraine and our allies during the unprovoked, illegal, and appalling attack, Congress provided nearly $14 billion in emergency funding through the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills. That funding has been crucial in Ukraine's efforts to fight back against Putin's evil invasion. The bill before us today would provide roughly $40 billion in assistance to address the ongoing conflict. With Russia continuing to take control of the country, more resources are needed to provide military assistance to Ukrainian forces, address the humanitarian crisis created by this conflict, and support our allies in the region. A large portion of the bill will also go to backfill DOD's weapons and equipment. The United States has the best weapons in the world, and it is critical that we not only supply those to our allies in their time of need, as we have done in Ukraine, but that we ensure our own troops continue to have what they need. As China, Iran, and North Korea watch our response, we must show the world that America stands firm with its allies and will do what is necessary to protect our interests abroad. For those reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the former chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and the ranking member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David McWilliam Raser, a hardworking and dedicated staff member of the House Appropriations Committee, who suddenly passed away on February 5th of this year. Son of David and Denise Raser, Dave was born in Long Island, New York on May 3, 1997. Just a few years later, the Rasers added another member to the family, Emily, who would become Dave's best friend. In the early 2000s, the family headed for warmer weather, moving from New York to Naples, Florida. Dave grew to become an accomplished young man in his academic, athletic, and service endeavors. He spent much of his time outdoors, whether fishing, hiking, or playing team sports. In fact, Dave and his rugby team--the Naples Bears--went on to win State in 2014. He continued his pursuit of fitness into his professional life, running a marathon and surpassing his goal of running 1,000 miles in 2021. In high school, he joined the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he rose to the rank of Battalion Commander. Because of his leadership and achievements, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart nominated Dave to the United States Military Academy at West Point. As fate would have it, Dave instead attended Louisiana State University, where he would receive a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specializing in American government and politics. Before graduating, Dave served as a summer intern for Congressman Thomas Rooney, where he learned the legislative process firsthand, and shortly after receiving his diploma in 2019, Dave moved to Washington, D.C. with hopes of obtaining a full-time position in Congress. Dave joined the House Appropriations Committee as an intern in 2019 and did such great work that he officially joined my committee staff in 2020. In his role, he served as the ultimate utility player, always willing and eager to assist when needed, regardless of the task at hand. Whether it was preparing materials for hearings and briefings or assisting staff with reviewing legislation, he worked just as hard as anyone and did so with a heart of gratitude and service. Dave always had a smile on his face and a joyful spirit that uplifted others. He truly made a positive impact on everyone he interacted with. At the age of 24, Dave passed away just days shy of his two-year work anniversary. Joined by family, friends, and committee staff, his funeral service was held at the same chapel he was baptized in as a child. Today, May 3rd, would have been Dave's 25th birthday. In honor of his birthday, we celebrate his life and remember the incredible son, brother, and friend he was. Words cannot express how saddened we are at the loss of someone so young and so kind. Dave is dearly missed by his colleagues. On behalf of Congress and the Appropriations Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to Dave's family and friends.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the ranking member of the Defense Subcommittee.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from California.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2471, a bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of this fiscal year. While it has taken us far too long to get here, I am glad we were able to produce a bill that includes many funding priorities that I support. Since last summer, I have made it clear that House Republicans would oppose Appropriations bills unless they increase defense spending, restrain nondefense spending, include all longstanding policy provisions, and do not include any poison pill riders. After months of negotiations, we reached a deal that meets all four of these criteria. The bill before us increases defense spending by roughly 6 percent, which is $4.5 billion above the NDAA; rejects the President's proposed 16 percent increase in nondefense spending; includes the Hyde amendment and other critical pro-life policies; and drops other controversial language. For defense, the bill provides our military and our troops with the resources they desperately need. The roughly $42 billion increase in defense spending across all the appropriations bills will improve military readiness, start key modernization initiatives, and support our brave warfighters and their families so they can improve their quality of life. The package also contains an additional $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome to allow Israel to replace the interceptors that were used in the most recent conflict. The bill also ensures the safety and security of the American people by increasing overall funding for Homeland Security by 11 percent, including increases for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. New funding is also included to increase staff for the Border Patrol, which would address the crisis at our southwest border. Because of this bill, President Trump's successful remain in Mexico program will continue, and President Biden's plan to cancel existing border wall funding will be rejected. I am proud to say that this bill not only funds the police, it increases resources for law enforcement agencies to address the troubling nationwide increase in crime. Also before us today is crucial assistance to help the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian Government respond to Russia's invasion. I know we all share the feeling of shock and grief as we witness Russia's attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine and its aggression across innocent people. To close, I want to thank my colleagues, Chairwoman DeLauro, Senator Shelby, Senator Leahy, and the subcommittee chairs and ranking members for their work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the items in this bill that enhance our national security, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the former chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This 4-day CR ensures that there is enough time for the omnibus package to be processed and implemented. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 6617, a short-term continuing resolution through March 11. I am disappointed to be on the House floor today to speak on another CR and not a full-year appropriation bill. It was my hope that, by now, we would have finalized our work for fiscal year 2022. While conversations are ongoing, we need more time to complete our work. No one wants to have a CR, but the alternative is much worse. If we don't pass a CR by next week, we could have an unnecessary and costly government shutdown. I think both sides agree that would be disastrous, especially for our national security. This bill keeps the government open for another 3 weeks and ensures the continuation of basic Federal responsibilities, such as national defense, border security, and care for our veterans. The bill also includes defense-related anomalies that fund the on- time development of Columbia-class submarines, DOD's top modernization priority; it provides flexibility to counter threats like Russia; it equips DOD to address the Navy's Red Hill fuel leak that displaced servicemembers and their families; and it continues development of critical cybersecurity systems. Madam Speaker, I am hopeful that this CR will give us time to work out our differences and pass bipartisan, full-year bills. We will not be able to achieve this goal unless we find consensus on spending levels and know that controversial policies have been dropped. I have been very clear about what House Republicans need to support a final product. We will not support partisan bills that include irresponsible spending increases or extreme policies. Madam Speaker, I urge support for the 3-week CR before us, and I look forward to the additional time to finish this year's appropriations process. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.