Jaime Herrera Beutler

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I claim time in opposition, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, first, let me commend Chairman Ryan for his cooperation on this bill. He has worked in good faith with me and my staff to include requests in this bill every step of the way, and I really appreciate it. I think it is a good model for the rest of how Congress should work, and I would work with him anytime. I want to say thank you to his staff and to the staff under Chairwoman DeLauro, Steve Marchese. I want to thank my staff, Michelle Reinshuttle for getting us to this point, although, I don't believe we are quite there yet. I am going to explain why. Madam Speaker, I have to rise in opposition to H.R. 4346, the fiscal year 2022 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. This bill does include some provisions that I support, including critically needed funding to address the requirements of the Capitol complex. It provides funding that allows Members and our staff to better serve our constituents by providing better software to improve the accessibility of casework forms that our offices use to help constituents resolve problems and issues with Federal agencies. It implements measures to increase staff retention, and it allows offices to acquire new technologies to strengthen the protection and productivity of our IT infrastructure. This bill also supports the critical mission of the Capitol Police by providing funding for additional personnel to replenish their really depleted ranks, new leadership training initiatives, and additional resources so they can continue to protect Members, staff, and visitors who come and occupy the Halls of Congress on a daily basis. In the aftermath of an incredibly difficult and challenging year for the men and women of the Capitol Police, these measures are really an important step toward improving the police force. However, Madam Speaker, while there are many parts of this bill that I do support, this bill, like the others that the majority has put forward, is based on what I believe is a flawed fiscal foundation. The majority is forging ahead with massive increases to nondefense spending. The bill we are considering today includes a nearly 13 percent increase over current levels. I am going to explain why that in context creates some problems. At a time of record high deficits and debt, we need, I believe, a more measured fiscal response. In addition, the majority has also included controversial policy riders that our side of the aisle opposes. With the approach that the majority is taking with this bill--and really all of them in the appropriations packages we are considering here today--we are on the path to yet another continuing resolution. If we are to break this cycle, our majority counterparts need to be more willing to work with the minority on all the bills to create a more bipartisan support that garners more of a bipartisan thumbs up. Furthermore, the majority has not put forward any of the Capitol Police reforms to the board that governs the Capitol Police or its leadership structure, and that is a real sticking point, Madam Speaker. Including funding to hire more officers and to get more equipment is a necessary step. I would go to bat for that any day of the week. We will never see lasting improvement to the operation of the force or officer morale without these necessary reforms. We are going to continue to see the erosion of the force until those changes are made. As we grapple with the trillions in new spending that the majority has passed and is proposing already 6 months into this year, I want to emphasize this point, we must course correct now rather than wait until our Nation has passed the point of no return. The Democrat majority got out of the gates by pushing through a $1.9 trillion package that includes bailouts for States like California that were already raking in billions more in State revenue than was previously forecast. My colleagues across the aisle and this administration are insisting on using reconciliation to force through $4 trillion more on a gigantic wish list. For perspective, the spending I outlined is above and beyond the normal congressional appropriations. Specifically, it is nearly four times what the Democrats are proposing to spend on this and these appropriations bills that we are considering. Last year when the entire Nation was grappling with COVID-related shutdowns, when hospitals were down to their last box of surgical gloves, and Congress had to step in to make sure that our health system and our communities didn't collapse, those were needed dollars. But we should not make the mistake that national emergencies like the COVID pandemic should green-light and invite further spending that is going to usher in record inflation, trillions more in debt, and, honestly, a reckless increase in spending. I fear that some here are simply not aware of how spiking the prices are of food, of gas, and of other everyday items impacting families. Unbridled spending brings on the kind of inflation that increases prices exponentially. When we talk about saddling the next generation with crushing debt, we are talking about your kids, Madam Speaker, my kids, and their grandkids, and they are going to have to pay for these decisions. I believe that we can do better. The funding increases in this bill I think are going to fuel that fire. I think we need to recalibrate. Madam Speaker, for all these reasons I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this bill at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack).

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), who is the distinguished ranking member.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Again, I just want to say it has been a privilege to be in this process. You know, it is ironic to me, because the Legislative Branch appropriations bill is generally one that significantly only impacts the Capitol community. I serve an amazing district in southwest Washington, 2,500-plus miles away from this campus. Generally, the Legislative Branch appropriations bill isn't high on their radar, until this year, until we saw that there are events and there are actors who we are going to have to protect against. We are going to have to protect the guests and the visitors. This is the people's House, and I want the people from my district to have the right and the trust to come here and feel safe, to be able to have their voices heard. That is why this bill went from kind of being one that most people didn't pay attention to, to a lot more attention, a lot more front and center. It is such an honor and privilege to get to work on this because I believe, in a very strong spirit of bipartisanship, we can make sure that we are lifting up and girding up the Capitol Police force, making sure that the Sergeant at Arms is working together with the Architect of the Capitol to ensure the safety and continuity of the work of the people's House. This is the Constitution in action. It is a privilege to get to work on this. I think that we can improve this underlying bill. I think that we need to adopt the motion to recommit. I think we need to introduce some of these ideas so that we can stave off a continuing resolution in the eleventh hour. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the motion to recommit, and in its absence, I do believe we need to send this bill back in order to get it completely right. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the minority leader.

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

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

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak to the amendments. Madam Speaker, I specifically call out the gentleman from Rhode Island's amendment. It increases funding by $3.5 million for the Capitol Grounds account, and it is offset within the bill. The intent of these funds is to be used to prioritize the removal of accessibility barriers on the Capitol complex. I am thrilled about this amendment. Parts of this building and the surrounding complex were built over 100 years ago, so, obviously, there are accessibility issues that today we are saying we are going to remove those barriers. I commend both of the bipartisan amendments in the amendments en bloc. I urge Members to please support it. I think this does good work. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Elaina Koenig, from Ethel, Washington for being awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Every year, the Congressional Award Foundation honors a select number of young Americans with Congress' highest honor--The Congressional Award Gold Medal. The award encourages our youth to set ambitious goals and put in the work and dedication to achieve them. Elaina completed 800 hours to hone her skills in four areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration activities. Her commitment and dedication to her goals are exactly why Elaina is being recognized for this prestigious award. Once again, I want to congratulate Elaina on receiving this honor and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I was unaware that the National Children's Museum was linking to resources that may promote critical race theory or its principles when I initially became a cosponsor. I oppose H.R. 1703 because I do not support using taxpayer dollars for these purposes.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Southwest Washington and Cathlamet resident Mark Doumit. Sadly, Mark passed away this week at the age of 59. For decades, Mark's life had been defined by a commitment to his home community. Mark served two terms as Wahkiakum County commissioner, then as a State house member representing the 19th legislative district for 10 years. Though he left elected office, he never abandoned public service. He served as a steady leader of the Washington Forest Protection Association for the last 15 years until his passing. A stalwart supporter of our forests, fish, water, and our economy, Mark was never hemmed in by Democrat versus Republican politics. He was a friend and an ally to me and anyone who cared about these priorities. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Mark's family, friends, and colleagues as they grapple with this profound loss. He will be dearly missed.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, today, I would like to recognize Camas High School for its exemplary achievements in the 2021 American Rocketry Challenge. The Camas High School team qualified for the National Finals and competed at the highest level against other high schools across the country. I am so proud of our students for pursuing their passions in STEM and dedicating their extra-curricular time to learning and innovating. The American Rocketry Challenge allowed the students to design, build, and launch model rockets, which exposed the team to different forms of engineering, problem solving, and teamwork. And of course, the product of all their hard work was that they reached new heights that I'm sure many thought wasn't possible. It always amazes me what our high school students are able to accomplish. Congratulations to our Camas High School team for earning this great honor. I would like to thank the students, teachers, and parents for their commitment to STEM education in Southwest Washington.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jonah Campbell, Clark Hegewald, and Grant Myers of Vancouver iTech Preparatory on having their National History Day project showcased by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Learning Lab. Their project, titled ``No Need for Translation: The Apollo-Soyuz Mission'', focuses on the bilateral cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union in ending the Space Race through the construction of the first space station. The team placed particular emphasis on the unprecedented collaboration between Americans and Soviets at the height of the Cold War. For over 40 years, National History Day has been a stellar opportunity for students across the country to engage in and expand their knowledge of American history through research-based projects. I hope that participating in National History Day has allowed these students to deepen their appreciation for the great American history that unites us all. Once again, I want to congratulate Jonah, Clark, and Grant on a job well done.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nadia Siddiqui, from Vancouver, Washington for being awarded the Husky 100 from the University of Washington. The University of Washington Husky 100 program recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from all campuses and all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the university. Recipients of the Husky 100 are successfully connecting what happens inside the classroom to the outside, helping make a difference on campus, in their communities, and in the future--and Nadia is no exception. Nadia recently received her Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering with a minor in Bioethics from the University of Washington. Nadia hopes to use bioengineering and bioethics to expand health care access through policymaking and outreach. Her activities on campus and goals for her future are exactly why Nadia was given this recognition. Once again, I want to congratulate Nadia on receiving this honor and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Amanda Campbell, from Battle Ground, Washington on being awarded the Husky 100 from the University of Washington. The University of Washington Husky 100 program recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from all campuses and all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the university. Recipients of the Husky 100 are successfully connecting what happens inside the classroom to the outside, helping make a difference on campus, in their communities, and in the future--and Amanda is no exception. Amanda is pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. Amanda has been a leader, a strong researcher, and a patient advocate during her studies. As a pharmacist, she hopes to break down the barriers of health care through health equity and literacy. Her current activities and goals for her future are exactly why Amanda was given this recognition. Once again, I want to congratulate Amanda on receiving this honor and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, we would be better served by holding this until the Architect of the Capitol completes their comprehensive assessment on both sides of the Capitol complex and the entire grounds before allocating significant sums of money. This amounts to the kind of slush fund creation that heightens Americans' distrust of Congress, and we certainly do not need to militarize the Capitol to keep our Members and staff safe. We can do better. The unilateral move by the majority will only delay much-needed reimbursements for the agencies that protect the Capitol. We need to reignite the bipartisan discussions, and we need to do it soon. Madam Speaker, I strongly urge a ``no'' vote.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3237, the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act. There is broad bipartisan, bicameral agreement that a security supplemental is necessary. I believe that. The committee was actively negotiating towards legislation that could have come to the floor in that spirit. However, the majority jumped to the gate early, which leaves us with a nearly $2 billion bill with too many unresolved issues. Agencies across six subcommittees need to be reimbursed for the events that occurred in responding to the Capitol on January 6. We agree. Repairs have to be done. Support for the Capitol Police must be provided. But we do not need to make premature decisions before the ongoing security assessments are complete, to commit funding that goes well beyond the scope of January 6, or authorize programs without any debate. The assessment that was done by General Honore only looked at the House side of the Capitol. That is part of the challenge, is we are funding something that is incomplete.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I have the upmost respect both for the chair of the full committee and the subcommittee, and I have really enjoyed working with him on this. I couldn't agree more with a lot of what was said, that we need to act, and we need to do it. I have demonstrated with my actions that I am willing to support a bipartisan commission. I have been willing to hold accountable people who I see in positions of leadership. I think my biggest challenge is that General Honore did a one-sided review of the Capitol. If you read his review, his number one requirement for all of this to work was the Capitol Police Board needs to be completely rejiggered. I don't know if he said ``wiped out.'' I am using my own term here. But it doesn't work. In order for the gear that the Capitol Police need to work, they need to have training. In order for them to have training, they need to have leadership. In order for them to have leadership, they need to have a board that gives their chief some authority. We all know that is a problem. Can I ask the chair of the full committee, does this bill, in any way, reform the Capitol Police Board? Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Connecticut.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentlewoman for her response. I would just add that we are stepping ahead of that reform by fully funding those requests, and I think that is where I am having some challenges. I am there. We are going to do this. I just think that putting funds in place to this tune of close to $2 billion, we need to know what we are going to spend that money on. We need to know that we got those reforms in place. I don't want to throw money at a situation unless we are going to reform it. Part of the problem we saw on January 6 was the communications infrastructure. Certainly the gear. We have to deal with that. But it was so much more than that. It was the leadership. It was the leadership here. Certainly there was political leadership involved. I have spoken to that personally. That is part of the problem here. That is part of the problem with this bill, is we are putting the money there, but we are not reforming the system. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack).

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Arkansas.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis), the ranking member of the Committee on House Administration.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gooden).