WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement after voting in support of the Conference Report to Accompany H.J. Res 31 – Consolidated Appropriations Act:

“Throughout conference negotiations, I advocated for the highest dollar amount of funding for the border wall,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “Additionally, I fought to ensure that there was not an internal enforcement cap on ICE beds, which I viewed as a nonstarter.

“In this bill, there is funding for 55 miles of new border wall to address the top three priority points along the Rio Grande Valley. Although I would have preferred to fully fund the President’s request, which I voted to fulfill previously, this package provides a substantial installment towards the ongoing border wall construction and additional technology. This legislation also supports the men and women of ICE by giving them the tools they need to do their job. Included in this legislation is an increase in the number of detention beds, by up to 18%, which allows for our immigration enforcement officials to respond to current dangers and have the resources to prepare for future spikes in illegal immigration.

“It is important to note that I did not vote for this funding package because I believed it was the final answer to the crisis at our southern border. However, I could not support another harmful government shutdown and therefore I voted in support of the bill. It was an honor to be part of the conference committee and have the immense responsibility to come up with a bipartisan and bicameral funding package. Tonight’s vote was not the end in the border security discussion, and I will continue to support a strong, safe, and secure southern border.”

In addition to providing funding for homeland security, the FY19 Consolidated Appropriations Act fully funds the 6 remaining appropriations bills and includes:

• Increases in the number of immigration judge teams from 395 at the end of FY18 to 534;
• More than $9 billion for international security assistance programs such as antiterrorism programs;
• Strong support of Israel by fully funding the Memorandum of Understanding;
• Conservative pro-life language from bills enacted under a Republican majority;
• More than $3.7 billion for rural development programs to assist with job creation and economic development;
• Over $400 million for the support of overdose-reversal drugs, programs to target at-risk youth, and additional funding to fight opioid abuse.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement after traveling to Camp David:

“In a divided Congress, progress is best made when political divides are bridged,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “At Camp David, I was able to join with my colleagues to strengthen relations on both sides of aisle. I thank administration officials for the invitation to join in this weekend’s discussions, and I will continue to opt for bipartisan solutions over partisan gridlock.”

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union address:

“In President Trump’s State of the Union address, Americans heard that our nation will continue to choose greatness,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “Under the Trump Administration, Tennesseans have experienced pro-business policies and robust economic growth, benefitted from unprecedented regulatory relief for workers and small business owners, observed the resurgence of our military forces, and witnessed a leader who prioritizes the safety and security of our nation.

“This evening, President Trump outlined the path forward as we to continue to rebuild America. While we complete the President’s bold agenda, let us remember that more can be accomplished when we choose freedom over obstruction and unite in our vision for a greater and more prosperous nation.”

###

SAN DIEGO, CA – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement upon conclusion of the San Diego, California portion of the southern border visit:

“As my visit to the southern border comes to a close, I would like to share my main takeaways from this trip. I viewed multiple forms of border barriers at many different locations. From the Hidalgo Port of Entry to the border between San Diego and Tijuana, the barriers were a key component to ensuring our border is safe and secure. In addition to the need for more strategic barriers, border patrol experts also expressed the need for additional technology and a greater number of border agents. When I return to Washington, I will reference my experiences and conversations as the conference committee works toward an agreement on border security.”

To view photos from today’s visit, click here. This marks the conclusion of Congressman Fleischmann’s tour of the southern border.

###

EL PASO, TX – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement upon conclusion of the El Paso, TX portion of the southern border visit:

“I believe there are many elements to the border security solution, and my visit today confirmed that conversations regarding border security should be comprehensive,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “My tour of the El Paso del Norte Border Crossing highlighted the immense volume of traffic this location experiences, and the vital role that proper drug detection technology plays in the security of our nation. I was able to see the vehicles seized by border patrol agents and the means by which these vehicles are used to transport deadly drugs across the southern border. I also toured the wall under construction in El Paso. This new construction is evidence that an operationally effective barrier is paramount to proper border security. Along the New Mexico border, I visited with border patrol agents, listened to their stories, and thanked them for risking their lives to protect our nation.”

To view photos from today’s visit, click here. The Congressman is now headed to San Diego, California.

###

HIDALGO COUNTY, TX – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement upon conclusion of the tour of the Hidalgo Port of Entry:

“The first stop on my visit to the southern border was eye-opening and incredibly informative,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “To have the first-hand experience to tour the southern border at the Hidalgo Port of Entry and view the border security structures located there further underscores the need for additional physical barriers at other high risk locations. In addition, I was able to speak with border security agents to better understand the situation from the men and women who are the experts. The insight they provided will be critical to future discussions regarding border security. I look forward to continuing my visit along the southern border in the days to come.”

Pictures from the visit can be found here. The Congressman is now headed to El Paso, Texas. 

###

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement announcing Governor Bill Lee as his guest for the State of the Union:

“I am looking forward to welcoming Governor Lee to our nation’s Capital for the State of the Union,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “Our great state benefits when strong relationships are formed between elected officials, and I am happy to consider Governor Lee a friend and partner in our goal to serve the people of Tennessee. The State of the Union is one of my favorite events – when our nation comes together – and I am fortunate to have such esteemed company this year.”

“I’m looking forward to coming to Washington and hearing the President’s State of the Union in person,” said Governor Bill Lee. “I’d like to thank Congressman Fleischmann for his kind invitation and look forward to spending some time with the Tennessee Congressional Delegation as well.”

The State of the Union will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to being named to the House Appropriations Energy and Water subcommittee for the 116th Congress:

“I am pleased to announce that I will continue my service on the House Appropriations Committee Energy and Water subcommittee in the 116th Congress,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “In the 115th Congress, the subcommittee secured record funding for our nation’s water infrastructure projects, including the Chickamauga Lock, and provided robust funding for our nation’s nuclear security priorities. This Congress presents a new opportunity to build on the success of previous years, and I thank Ranking Member Granger for the opportunity to continue my service on this critically important subcommittee. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the subcommittee to support our national labs, advance the cleanup of our legacy sites across the country, maintain and strengthen our nuclear deterrent, and fund vital water infrastructure investments.”

Congressman Fleischmann also serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee Homeland Security Subcommittee. More information can be found here. A full list of House Appropriations Republican subcommittee assignments for the 116th Congress can be found here.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to President Trump re-opening the government:

“Thanks to the action taken by President Trump today, our federal workers will receive the paychecks they deserve. For weeks, Democrats have refused to address the crisis at our southern border until our government was re-opened. Now that our government has been re-opened, I call on Democratic Leadership to make good on their word, come to the negotiating table, and work with the President and Republicans to secure our border. In my role on the committee of jurisdiction in regards to securing our homeland, I look forward to conferring with my colleagues over the next three weeks to find a border security solution. In these discussions I will continue to do what I have always done – fight for border security and for the safety of the American people.”

Congressman Fleischmann serves as the top republican on the House Appropriations Homeland Security subcommittee.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement after being named Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee for the 116th Congress:

“I am excited to be assuming the position of Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee in the 116th Congress. This is a critically important role, and I am humbled by the trust and support vested in me by Ranking Member Granger and my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee. The proper funding to safeguard our homeland is synonymous with the protection of our country – from securing our southern border and ensuring our immigration enforcement agencies have the tools to protect our communities, to providing for our maritime first responders, swiftly rebuilding areas affected by natural disasters, securing our skies for safe travel, and preventing the flow of opioids into our country. I am ready to get to work to defend our nation against the challenges of today and the threats of tomorrow.”

House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger (TX-12) added, “Congressman Fleischmann has a long record of championing our nation’s security. His strong commitment to supporting the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security, and their families, made him my top choice for Ranking Member on the Homeland Security subcommittee. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

Further updates regarding additional House Appropriations subcommittee assignments are expected in the days to come.

###