Congressman García's Statement on Government Funding and Russian Sanctions Votes

Statement

Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement after voting to approve government funding for child care, early learning programs, infrastructure, and housing services, against bloated defense funding and inhumane immigration practices, and for H.R. 6968, which imposes a ban on Russian oil imports:

"Today, I voted to approve funds for critical priorities in my district and across the country, from child care and education to public health care and nutrition support programs. Our federal government needs to protect workers from wage theft, provide school lunches, and promote affordable housing, and it needs the resources to do it. This package also provides support for our communities to grapple with the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

"The package I supported also includes critical humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, on top of regular funding for diplomatic and aid initiatives around the globe. Putin's invasion of Ukraine is an imperialist violation of international law, and I strongly support humanitarian relief for the people of Ukraine and all displaced individuals.

"Throughout my career, I have opposed misguided and wasteful military spending, and despite the ongoing crisis in Europe I could not vote to advance the same flawed policies. Months after ending the 20-year U.S. war with Afghanistan, our defense budget is the highest it has ever been, dwarfing the amount we spend on any one of our domestic priorities. Additionally, I could not support further funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), while immigrants still lack relief from deportation and the path to citizenship they were promised and deserve.

"Tonight, the House also approved a legislative ban on Russian oil imports, which mimics a ban announced yesterday by President Biden as part of the ongoing effort to cripple Russia's economy and isolate Putin's regime. Sanctions like these have a history of harmful humanitarian consequences on civilian populations. Although I supported this vote to hold Putin accountable, I will be monitoring to ensure the ban is lifted in a timely manner that mitigates civilian suffering and is responsive to ongoing peace negotiations.

"As we seek to diminish the world's reliance on Russian oil, Congress should focus on the underlying problem--our dependence on fossil fuels. With a closer focus on environmental and social justice, we can better counter threats both at home and abroad."

A detailed summary of the funding packages is available here.

Congressman García secured $10.6 million for 10 community funding projects in his District as part of the larger government funding package. His statement on the community funding projects can be found here.

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