[Pages H4177-H4178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the 
Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2157) making supplemental appropriations 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, 
with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. For what purpose does the gentleman from 
Tennessee seek recognition?
  Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to 
object.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized on his 
reservation.
  Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am standing in a House 
chamber that is virtually empty. Nearly all of my 431 colleagues are 
absent as the Speaker of the House seeks to pass a $19 billion spending 
bill.
  Our Nation is $22 trillion in debt. Trying to pass nearly $20 billion 
in new spending while the majority of Congress is not even in 
Washington reflects another act of irresponsible big government.
  This is absolutely, without a doubt, wrong. It is no surprise that 
public confidence in Congress is at historic lows.

  Every single Member could board a plane today, and this issue could 
be voted on in the next 12 hours.
  We are each accountable to the American people, who entrusted us with 
their votes and sent us here to work on their behalf. I am accountable 
to the people of Tennessee, and I can say with confidence: Tennesseans 
deserve better than what is being attempted here today.
  I never expected, when I came to Washington, that I would be asked to 
stay home while $19 billion is spent without my vote.
  I urge the Speaker of the House, who is also not here today, to 
return to her

[[Page H4178]]

post and call Congress back to Washington to do the people's work, and 
I object.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objection is heard.

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