Hoyer Remarks on "Cromnibus" Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor this evening in support of the "cromnibus" appropriations bill. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video:

Click here for the video.

“Thank you Mr. Speaker.  Mr. Speaker and Members, ever since the Conference Report was reported out, Leader Pelosi and I have told everyone how objectionable the two provisions that have been discussed are on our side of the aisle. We think they should not be in an appropriations bill.  We think they should be considered on their merits or demerits.  Unfortunately, they are in the bill.

“I rise in support of the bill, notwithstanding my vigorous objection to these two provisions.  I rise because I, frankly, think that pursuing CRs – continuing resolutions – on a continuing basis is harmful to our economy, harmful to the growth in jobs, harmful to our national security, and I regret that the Homeland Security bill has not been included for a year as well.  We undermine national security by that limitation.  But, nevertheless, in a world of alternatives, I have concluded that it is better for us to pass this ‘cromnibus,’ as it is euphemistically referred to, than it is to defeat it, and so I urge my Members to vote for this ‘cromnibus’ tonight.”