July 29, 2021

Reschenthaler Opposes Democrats’ Out-of-Control Spending Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) opposed House Democrats' partisan government funding bills, H.R. 4502, H.R. 4373, and H.R. 4346.

"Instead of working to craft bipartisan, commonsense bills to fund the federal government, Democrats again chose to play politics and push through unrealistic and reckless funding measures that have no chance of becoming law," said Reschenthaler.

"House Democrats increased non-defense spending by 17 percent while cutting defense spending below inflation, at a time when our nation is facing threats from China, Russia, and Iran. Additionally, Democrats stripped out longstanding bipartisan provisions such as the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal tax dollars from being used to fund abortions, a policy the majority of American taxpayers strongly support. If House Democrats are serious about enacting appropriations measures before funding runs out at the end of September, it is critical they remove their far-left policy riders and restore longstanding bipartisan provisions. Otherwise, our nation faces a Democrat-driven government shutdown."

H.R. 4502 includes seven appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2022:

  • Totals nearly $600 billion in discretionary spending, a 21 percent increase from the previous year. Some non-defense agencies receive an increase of 30 percent to 40 percent over current funding.
  • Removes the Hyde Amendment, which for nearly 45 years has prohibited taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions. Other longstanding pro-life riders are also eliminated, and funding is provided to relocate and renovate facilities for the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the country, which performs thousands of abortions each year.
  • Includes poison pill far-left policy riders, including provisions that curtail U.S. energy independence, weaken immigration law, and allow for the transfer of dangerous terrorists at Guantanamo Bay to the United States.

H.R. 4373, the Fiscal Year 2022 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bills include:

  • Totals $62.2 billion, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.
  • Eliminates and weakens pro-life protections, including removal of the Helms Amendment, which prohibits foreign aid from being used for abortion.
  • Includes full funding for the World Health Organization, despite its complicity in helping China cover up the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Provides $3 billion for climate change programs, including $1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund, which even Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledged has oversight and management issues.

H.R. 4346, the Fiscal Year 2022 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill includes:

  • Totals $4.9 billion, a nearly 13 percent increase from the previous year.

Carries unnecessary, partisan requirements in the committee report for the Capitol Police that will make it more difficult for them to carry out their mission.

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