[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION, 2013

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                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Continuing Resolution 
(H.J. Res. 117) to fund the federal government through March 2013.
  This bipartisan spending bill staves off the devastating costs 
recommended by my Republicans colleagues and instead continues the 
funding levels for the operations of federal agencies at last year's 
levels. I am pleased that this measure extends the services on which 
New Jersey families rely such as Small Business Administration, SBA, 
loan guarantees, Veterans Administration, VA, disability claims, and 
natural disaster relief. It preserves the necessary funding for 
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, and Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP.
  This compromise is by no means perfect, however. I am disappointed 
that this measure does not take any steps to invest in innovation, 
improve math and science education, make college more affordable, or 
help grow industries such as biotechnology and clean energy. I regret 
that this bill freezes the pay of hardworking federal employees who 
have already had years of pay freeze. Under this spending bill, no new 
programs will be funded. Unfortunately, this means that none of the 
important new programs--such as anti-distracted driving campaigns--
authorized in the recently passed MAP-21 transportation bill can begin.

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