[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            FOCUS ON THE PRIORITIES FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I just spent time with my 
constituents over the weekend, and everywhere I went and announced that 
the government was going to remain open because of the advocacy of 
Democrats, there was applause. No matter what party, what affiliation 
they had, there was applause to recognize that law enforcement would be 
paid, those at the border would be paid, the supplemental nutrition 
program that families so desperately need would be provided for, and 
the women and children program would be provided for.
  However, at the same time, it is important to take note that we have 
passed draconian appropriation bills that sizably cut what working 
families need--the supplemental nutrition program, the WIC program, 
housing.
  We cannot continue on this route. We must find a bipartisan pathway 
to fund this government, recognizing that we do have a deficit created 
by the past administration and that we have been dug out of poverty 
because of Biden's American Rescue Plan Act that cities have depended 
on. These cities relied on large Federal dollars that helped them 
bridge the gap during the pandemic for rural communities, as well.
  Madam Speaker, we are getting ready to take a monumental step today. 
Let's focus on the priorities for the American people.

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