Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, well, it is no secret that this appropriations cycle was tough, and as ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I thank--really thank--Chairman Calvert for working in a bipartisan manner to get the Defense bill done.

This compromise Defense bill is focused on two things--national security and our servicemembers and their families.

This bill provides our servicemembers with the training and the equipment necessary to complete their missions and come home as soon and safely as possible.

It supports military families with a 5.2 percent pay increase.

It includes a 5.4 percent increase to the basic housing allowance.

This bill restores at least some funding for Ukraine through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

But the House must pass the Senate's security supplemental as soon as possible. I am glad to report that all the partisan riders that were originally in the Defense House bill have been removed.

Madam Speaker, this minibus shows us that there is only one way to fund the government, and that is on a bipartisan basis--full stop.

Let's follow this example in the next appropriations cycle. I urge Members to support the bill.

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