{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-on-the-continuing-resolution-to-keep-government-open", "Veasey Statement on the Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Marc Veasey", "V000131", "veasey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after voting in favor of a continuing resolution to fund government operations until April 28, 2017:\n\u201cCongress has the sole responsibility to enact a responsible budget that not only fully funds our government but ensures the well-being of the American people. Although I voted in favor of today\u2019s continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown, the bill fails to provide a long-term economic package and instead continues to irresponsibly operate on a month-to-month basis.\nHowever, I am pleased to report that today\u2019s bill provides $170 million in grant relief to repair and replace lead-contaminated drinking water and infrastructure in Flint, Michigan. Since 2015, Flint residents have not been able to obtain safe drinking water to meet their daily needs. Today\u2019s funding responds to the call we have in Congress to ensure the safety and security of our American families.\nIn addition to providing overdue relief for Flint, the legislation reauthorizes the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program so that millions of children and working parents who live below the federal poverty line can access basic necessities.\u00a0 I believe that we should support programs that serve as vital lifelines for the neediest Americans, which is why I recently introduced H.R. 6458, The Help the Neediest Families Act, which prohibits states from drug testing TANF, Section 8, and recipients of federal assistance. Instead of discriminating against poor families, we must continue providing temporary assistance so that they don\u2019t have to choose between paying their rent or having food on the table.\nWhile today\u2019s legislation supports programs that are essential to the well-being of America\u2019s families, I am deeply concerned about House Republicans partisan provision that would exempt General Mattis from the 1947 National Security Act to serve as Secretary of Defense. Regardless of Mattis\u2019 merits or qualifications for the position, the process for waiving such a requirement sets a terrible precedent in our country\u2019s confirmation process.\nWhen we return to work in the 115th Congress, I urge my House Republican colleagues to put aside the partisan games and work alongside House Democrats in order to ensure the prosperity and safety of our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-on-the-continuing-resolution-to-keep-government-open"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.2222828809171915, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}