Pearce Votes to Place Safety, Security and Innovation First
Statement
Today, by a vote of 242-183, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, H.R. 2578. U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released this statement following his vote for passage:
"The American people have demanded a more accountable and effective federal government," stated Pearce. "A core function of Congress's job is to appropriate funds for Executive Department operations in the year to come. This is not simply a procedural, symbolic action, it is a critical oversight and efficiency responsibility -- to ensure the government is working as desired by the American people. With the passage of H.R. 2578, the House continues its commitment to bring up and pass all 12 appropriations bills this summer."
"Commerce-Justice-Science programs play a huge role in New Mexico's economy and safety. The bill ensures our law enforcement officers in New Mexico and across the nation have the resources needed to keep our communities safe. It targets wasteful and fraudulent actions by federal agencies, such as ATF's attempt to limit the sale of ammunition, and prevents future attempts. Additionally, HR 2578 strongly supports increased efforts in cybersecurity and information security to protect against rogue nations, terrorist organizations, and individuals intent on stealing sensitive government and business data. The bill also works to address a number of important priorities including human trafficking, violence against women, and updating and modernizing our state and local law enforcement victim assistance programs.
"Today's bill also supports key science programs that promote and enhance innovation, research, and technological development centered in New Mexico and across the country. Strongly supporting NASA's space communications work, National Science Foundation (NSF) radio astronomy efforts, Space Grant and EPSCoR will have a profound impact on employment and development within our state."
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