Nita Lowey

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Rose).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardenas).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1067, I call up the bill (H.R. 7617) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we continue investing for the people with H.R. 7617. This minibus combines six appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce- Justice-Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. The bill promotes economic recovery from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. It provides more than $200 billion in emergency funding to rebuild our Nation's transportation, housing, and energy infrastructure; to expand broadband to unserved and underserved areas; and to rebuild the Nation's aged public health capacity and support State and local health agencies and global health activities. The bill prioritizes public health and safety with $47 billion for lifesaving medical research at the National Institutes of Health and $50 million, an increase of $25 million above fiscal year 2020, for firearm injury and mortality prevention research at the NIH and CDC. It includes strong funding for numerous public health efforts, including initiatives to reduce HIV infections, address tobacco and e-cigarette use, and ensure food safety. As we confront the twin crises of COVID-19 and systemic racism, the bill takes bold steps to build safer and stronger communities for all people. It provides strong funding to support law enforcement reform at the State and local level while catalyzing economic development in disadvantaged communities that is fundamental to a more just and equitable society. Among other priorities, the bill invests in education and job training; expands access to safe, affordable, and fair housing; supports servicemembers and military families; and combats climate change and embraces a clean energy future. This package prioritizes the lives and livelihoods of the American people and makes the strong investments needed to build a stronger future for every person. It is the product of months of thoughtful deliberation and input from Members on both sides of the aisle. I am proud of the work we have completed under the incredibly difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our incredibly talented appropriations subcommittee chairs will discuss more about what this package does for the people. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman from Ohio an additional 30 seconds.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Cartwright), the vice chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, yes, I am.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I do want to say to my dear friend, Mr. Cole, that I will truly miss you. We have worked together on so many issues, and not only are you thoughtful, intelligent, and enthusiastic, but you are a real partner. And I am not sure what the future brings for any of us, but let's hope that this coronavirus disappears somehow soon. I hope my friend, Ms. Granger, does not, frankly, suffer from it, and I am glad that she is going through a period of isolation. Let's hope there is some good news. But, for me, it has really been a pleasure not only to work with you, but to be your friend. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his very, very kind remarks. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the work we have completed under incredibly difficult circumstances, and I would like to thank our wonderful subcommittee chairs, particularly Pete Visclosky and Jose Serrano, who are also retiring. I thank them both for their outstanding service. This is an excellent package of appropriation bills that lives up to the principle that has guided our work together: Do the best we can to make life better for the most people we can. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Pursuant to House Resolution 1067, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ruiz).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar), a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.