House Appropriations Subcommittee FSGG Markup
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
“FY 2021 Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Markup”
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Bills Considered
Member Statements
Subcommittee Chairman Mike Quigley (D-Ill.)
In his opening statement, Quigley explained that the subcommittee’s current allocation is $24.6 billion, an increase of $808 million over FY 2020. He noted the bill includes the addition of $67 billion in emergency funding for broadband, federal buildings, and land ports of entry across the nation. Quigley said that this year’s appropriations includes:
- $12.1 billion for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an increase of more than $606 million over FY 2020, calling this a much-needed investment to support enforcement activities and put customer service first by reducing wait times and increasing support to individuals trying to navigate the complex tax code;
- $273.5 million for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to provide critical resources to underserved communities;
- $7.8 billion in discretionary appropriations for the judicial branch;
- increased funding for agencies that protect everyday consumers and retail investors including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as funding for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Quigley also noted that the bill rejects the administration’s proposal to reduce funding for small businesses in disadvantaged communities, as well as the administration’s efforts to sideline funds to combat the opioid epidemic, saying both of these efforts will continue to be funded under the bill. He concluded that he is pleased with the many ways the bill stands to improve the lives of the American public
Subcommittee Ranking Member Tom Graves (R-Ga.)
In his opening statement, Graves noted that the bill includes many items with bipartisan agreement and many without, saying he looks forward to continuing the appropriations process and reach a conclusion. He noted a number of areas of importance to Republicans, including helping small business owners recover from the ongoing pandemic, enforcing sanctions programs, and securing adequate funding for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program. Graves highlighted the importance of strong cybersecurity, including building secure networks and preventing international cyber criminals from accessing U.S. financial markets, expressing his gratitude that these priorities are included in the bill.
Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.)
Lowey noted the importance of the bill, particularly its provisions to increase the security of the U.S. election system and bolster the small business community via investment in financial services for underserved markets and populations. Lowey also noted that the bill includes:
- $12.1 billion for the IRS, including $2.6 billion for taxpayer services;
- $500 million for election security grants;
- $367 billion in lending authority for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans;
- millions for entrepreneurial development programs; and
- $61 billion in emergency funding for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand the availability of broadband to underserved areas.
Lowey also noted that the bill includes important provisions that address worker protections, make DACA recipients eligible for federal employment, and allows the District of Columbia to make its own decisions about how to use its local funds. She urged the subcommittee to support these “vital priorities.”
Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-Texas)
Granger noted that the bill includes many priorities important to members on both sides of the aisle, including support for small businesses, drug control programs, counter-terrorism and financial intelligence efforts. She expressed concern that there are several controversial items included, such as measures related to immigration policy, the border wall and collective bargaining, and said it was disappointing that the bill does not include a long-standing pro-life provision regarding the use of the District of Columbia’s local funds. She also said the bill included an excessive level of spending, saying the committee should be seeking efficiencies, not funding increases. Granger also said it is not clear to her why emergency infrastructure spending was included in the bill.
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.)
Kirkpatrick commended the committee for the inclusion of cybersecurity and land ports of entry in the bill, noting that the five ports of entry in Arizona have not been modernized in nearly 25 years.
Vote
The bill was reported favorably to the full committee by a voice vote.
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