Rep. Spano Opposes Annual Spending Legislation

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ross Spano (R-FL) voted against H.R. 7608, the first of the annual spending packages Congress will consider this year to fund the government for the next fiscal year. These bills are estimated to add more than $7.53 billion in new spending, compared to last year, and more than $22.5 billion compared to President Trump's budget request.

"With our national debt at over $26.5 Trillion, I cannot in good conscience support this bloated spending package-- its price tag is just astronomical," said Spano. As a fiscal conservative who stands with President Trump, our constituents sent us here to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, not to spend irresponsibly. This bill needs to be reworked and have all of the Democrats socialist wish list items cut out of it."

Additionally, this bill fails to include even the most basic pro-life protections, and even rolls back protections already in place that are necessary to protect life. Notably, this bill would repeal President Trump's policy that ensures no foreign assistance funds go to organizations that promote or perform abortions. Last year, Rep. Spano co-introduced H.R. 661, the "Protecting Life in Global Assistance Act of 2019', which would codify this policy.

"It is not a secret that I strongly believe every child has the right to life," said Spano. "I will continue to stand strong against any provisions seeking to promote abortion or using a dime of taxpayer dollars for this horrific practice no matter whether at home or abroad."

Not only does this package fail to protect the unborn, it also fails to protect our Southern border. The bill specifically prevents any funds appropriated through 2021 from being used to build a "wall, barrier, fence, or road along the Southern border of the United States". At the beginning of 2019, more than 2,000 illegal immigrants were being detained, marking a 97% increase from the previous year. By the end of 2019, a total of 851,508 individuals were apprehended between ports of entry on our Southwest Border.

"I am proud to stand with President Trump to ensure we build the wall, secure our borders and keep our communities safe," added Spano. "Having traveled to the border to oversee the construction of the wall, I can attest the wall works and will make our country safer."

The bill passed along party lines, 224-189. For more information visit Spano.House.Gov.

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