Appropriations

Continuing his push to hold Republican leadership accountable for their promise to reduce waste in government spending, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) today offered an amendment pointing out hypocrisy in GOP spending and urging Republican Leadership to finally stop funding Alaska’s infamous “bridges to nowhere” in H.R. 662 - Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. Every Republican in the House voted to preserve the earmark funding the “bridges to nowhere.” Click here for video of Polis’ fl... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We all share the goal of reducing the deficit. If we're serious about deficit reduction we need to look at defense as one of the line items. My amendment would save hundreds of millions of dollars by reducing our troop count in Europe. Instead of having over 80,000 troops in Europe where they're no longer needed, we would reduce the amount of troops in Europe to 35,000. This would allow the Department of Defense to save money by closing bases across Europe that don't hav... Read more

Amid a fierce debate on how and where to trim federal government spending, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) pushed forward an amendment that would reduce the American troop count in Europe from over 80,000 to 35,000 and cut overall troop size 7,500 troops in the next six months. “If we are serious about deficit reduction, then we need to get our ballooning defense budget under control,” said Polis. “My amendment would save hundreds of millions of dollars by getting most of the 80,000 troops out of... Read more

Congressman Jared Polis Remarks Against GOP Amendment to Block Oversight and Accountability for For-Profit Colleges Thursday, February 17, 2011 Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amendment, which is a broad, sweeping measure, not only against important protections for students, which I'll elaborate on, but it also leads to potential exposure for taxpayers and taxpayer money. This amendment would not only eliminate the ability to have the critical gainful employment regulation, some element of qu... Read more

Congressman Jared Polis Remarks Opposing GOP Cuts to US 36 TIGER Grant Thursday, February 17, 2011 Mr. Chairman, I am proud to offer this amendment with my colleague from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter), a strong advocate for commonsense policies. Mr. Chairman, this amendment simply changes the date by which the bill rescinds obligated funds. By moving the date to the end of the fiscal year, September 30, it allows for everyone, from local government to innovative clean-tech companies, the ability to ... Read more

Congressman Jared Polis Remarks Urging Safe and Orderly Withdrawal of US Troops from Afghanistan Thursday, February 17, 2011 Mr. Chairman, the ongoing war in Afghanistan is, quite simply, the wrong war in the wrong time and in the wrong place. Intelligence experts agree that a terrorist threat to our Nation does not emanate from within the borders of the nation of Afghanistan. There is a very real terrorist threat to the people of this country; but by its very nature, it is a stateless menace. I... Read more

Congressman Jared Polis Remarks Supporting Amendment to Save Money by Eliminating Redundant Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Czar Thursday, February 17, 2011 This amendment is typical of many of the proposals from the other side of the aisle that paint with a broad brush the entire Federal Government. This is a complex world. A President needs an ability to govern. The President relies on many of these executive positions to effectively govern this country. It is not a Democratic or ... Read more

Madam Chairman, this spending bill is simply unacceptable on many levels. This is a bill drafted for a sound bite, not sound policy for the American people. Handcuffing the EPA is proof of that fact, and I have and will continue to oppose those attempts and propose amendments where possible. This CR arbitrarily kills jobs, hurts the public health, and is a slap in the face to protecting our environment and clean air. This CR will set our country back decades by curtailing scientific research si... Read more

Mr. Chair, Americans' top priority is creating jobs. But six weeks into the 112th Congress, the Republican leadership has yet to bring a single, solitary jobs bill to the floor. Once again, we are here today to exercise one of our primary constitutional responsibilities as members of Congress--to pass appropriations legislation to fund the many basic and essential programs the federal governments, on which millions of Americans rely. Today is an incredible opportunity, for Republicans and Democ... Read more

Mr. Speaker I rise today in strong support of approving a continuing resolution to maintain a level and consistent funding stream for our government. It is one of our primary constitutional responsibilities as Members of Congress to keep the Federal government running through the passage of appropriations legislation. This continuing resolution will ensure that all necessary and vital functions of government will continue uninterrupted until both Chambers of our legislature have completed their ... Read more