Burgess Opposes Measures in Short-Term Spending Bill

Statement

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, issued the following statement after voting against the passage of H.R. 5325, a continuing resolution for the fiscal year of 2016.

"There is far too much at stake in this election year to not address the essential issues at the forefront of concern for so many of our constituents. This election cycle has made it clear Americans will no longer accept business as usual. And this spending deal admits Congress' refusal to acknowledge that.

"I could not support a deal that did not take action to prevent the transition of U.S. oversight of the internet to an international entity--an action that cannot be undone.

"Also of great importance to me, the short-term funding spending measure neglected to put one dime towards establishing a more stringent vetting system for Syrian refugees. Currently, the Administration is on track to far exceed its goal by admitting 12,500 Syrian refugees in fiscal year 2016 alone and aims to admit 110,000 refugees over the next 12 months. Anyone who enters into this country must be properly vetted to ensure there is no risk of letting terrorist sympathizers slip through the cracks. We continue to lack the necessary resolve to thoroughly vet refugee applicants from Syria. And unfortunately, the CR failed to address that problem.

"It is my hope that as we begin negotiating the longer-term spending bills for December, we address the serious failings of this Administration and do not concede to a comprehensive omnibus bill."

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