Foxx Opening Remarks on Government Funding and H. Res. 719

As prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon, the Committee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time.

Today, the Rules Committee is convening to consider two separate measures: a continuing resolution related to government funding and H.Res. 719, a resolution honoring the life and memory of Charlie Kirk.

On the continuing resolution, Congress can and should act expeditiously, and on a bipartisan basis, to advance this measure. We must keep our work going in service to the American people.

Just last week, the House voted to go to conference on three appropriations bills - a return to regular order.

This short-term CR would allow those important negotiations to continue and hopefully result in a bipartisan resolution.

Our Democrat colleagues should find no reason to object to this measure because no reasonable objection exists.

I implore my colleagues, let's not use any policy focus - whether it be health care, tax policies, or even the security funding we are looking at - as a pretext for a shutdown. This legislation keeps the government open. It's that simple.

On H.Res. 719, the resolution honoring the life and memory of Charlie Kirk, I say this: he spent his life advocating for the principles and God-given freedoms that underpin civil society everywhere.

The world recognizes the positive, enduring impact he made, and how his work continues to inspire countless men and women to debate the issues of the day.

He did this all with an eye toward creating and nurturing an open exchange of ideas between people from all walks of life - and glorifying God every step of the way.

Fostering civil dialogue - like what Charlie Kirk did day in and day out - serves to unite us all. We should never forget that.

Honoring his life is the right thing to do, and I fully intend to support this measure - I hope our colleagues on both sides of the aisle do the same. With that, I now yield to the Ranking Member, Mr. McGovern, for any comments that he wishes to make.

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