The Appropriations Process

The very same day Representative Mike Johnson was voted in as Speaker, House Republicans resumed moving legislation for the American people. So far, the House has passed multiple appropriations bills while the Senate has yet to pass a single one. These include state-foreign operations, energy-water, military construction-veterans affairs, homeland security, and defense. These appropriations bills focus on three major pillars: cuts, claw-backs, and conservative priorities. 

House Republicans are investing in America by cutting unnecessary, inflationary spending and promoting American energy independence. We passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which prioritizes fiscal responsibility, strengthens our national security, and unleashes American energy. Specifically, this legislation terminates Joe Biden’s WOTUS rule, which is harmful to landowners, farmers, and small businesses. Critically, it also reduces spending on Green New Deal priorities. Finally, this bill also prevents the Biden Administration from sending another drop of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. We must end Biden’s war on energy and lower costs for millions of Americans. 

The House also fulfilled our commitment to our veterans by passing the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Regardless of the political spin by the White House, this legislation fully funds veterans’ health care programs and increases spending for military construction.

In September alone we saw 269,735 illegal crossings at the border, with a grand total of over 6.2 million since Biden took office. While House Republicans have already passed the Secure the Border Act of 2023, we also passed the Homeland Security Appropriations bill last week. This bill focuses on securing our southern border, removes dangerous criminals, and counters China, bolstering national security. While the President refuses to act, this legislation also seeks to disincentivize further illegal immigration.

House Republicans are making headway on the international front as well. With the passage of the Defense Appropriations bill, House Republicans have used the power of the purse to refocus the Pentagon on the true mission of the military: providing for our national defense. We must ensure that our military remains focused on being a lethal and effective fighting force that can safeguard our nation. 

The People’s House is back in business, and I am working diligently to pass legislation and hold the Biden Administration accountable. Looking ahead to this week, my colleagues and I will consider three more appropriations bills: transportation-housing and urban development, the interior-environment, and the legislative branch. These bills will continue to address wasteful spending and place the focus on conservative priorities. My commitment to you is that I will continue to work each day to deliver results for my constituents.