Clermont Times

Washington, D.C. - In a recent statement, Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) emphasized the need for urgent action to address border security and government funding. He highlighted the efforts of House Republicans to combat President Joe Biden's spending spree and pass significant spending reforms through all 12 spending bills, known as appropriations.

Rep. Wenstrup stated, "Let’s get the job done. House Republicans are fighting back against Joe Biden’s spending spree by passing the largest spending reforms in modern history through all 12 spending bills (known as appropriations). We now have six weeks to finish the work of reining in the budget, securing our border, and holding the Biden administration accountable. Rather than letting the Democrat Senate and White House dictate terms, House Republicans got the better of Chuck Schumer."

While a temporary stopgap bill was passed to ensure the continuation of work, Rep. Wenstrup expressed his disappointment that a better bill, which would have included an 8 percent cut in federal spending and the toughest border security bill in a generation, was not supported by about 20 Republicans. This defeat empowered the Senate to potentially force an unfavorable bill upon the American people.

Highlighting the previous achievements of Republicans in deficit reduction, Rep. Wenstrup mentioned how they forced the White House to accept the most significant deficit reduction in a decade earlier this year. He emphasized that House Republicans have followed regular order to pass appropriations bills that pay troops, fund the border, and care for veterans, while the Senate has passed no government funding through regular order.

Rep. Wenstrup stressed the importance of securing the border and protecting American lives, noting the record number of encounters with illegal immigrants and seizures of fentanyl by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in August. He highlighted the devastating impact of drug overdoses in the U.S. and urged for action to prevent further harm.

Furthermore, Rep. Wenstrup warned of the consequences of a lapse in federal government funding, which would hinder the payment of troops and border patrol agents and delay tax returns and small business loans for Ohioans. He also expressed concern about the potential delay of ongoing House investigations into corruption, the origins of COVID, and the suppression of evidence within government agencies.

As Chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Rep. Wenstrup emphasized that a government shutdown would halt important investigations he is working on. He reiterated his commitment to securing the border, addressing the priorities of Ohioans and the American people, and holding the government accountable through critical investigations.

Looking ahead, Rep. Wenstrup called on Congress to complete their work through regular order in the next six weeks, which includes cutting spending, securing the border, and continuing investigations into an out-of-control executive branch. He noted that so far, the Senate has not passed any appropriations bills.

For more information, visit https://www.crfb.org/blogs/post-fra-fiscal-outlook.