Rep. McCollum Statement on FY16 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill

Washington, DC – This afternoon, the FY16 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill was pulled from the floor just hours before it was scheduled for a vote. Last night, the bill was amended by Republican leadership to include a provision that would allow the sale and display of the Confederate battle flag in National Parks. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement:

“The Interior and Environment Appropriations bill speaks to our priorities as a nation. This bill is meant to fund the protection of some of our nation’s best ideas, including critical investments in our public health, preservation of our public lands, and a strong trust relationship with Native Americans. It is supposed to fund efforts to ensure that Americans are able to breathe clean air and have access to drinkable water, and to confront the challenges of a changing climate. The Republican Interior Appropriations bill that was pulled from the floor today does none of those things. It is a toxic bill – a policy superfund.

“In a bill that is filled with giveaways to polluters and special interests who profit by exploiting our natural resources and public lands, Republicans betrayed our national values of justice and respect by invoking their support for the Confederate battle flag. After many hours of debate over three days, the very last amendment Republicans tried to add to this bill would have allowed the Confederate battle flag to be flown at our National Parks. I was surprised and disappointed that Republican Leadership offered this amendment to secure votes from their own Members to pass what is already a bad bill.

“Today, a united Democratic caucus committed to rejecting hate and racism forced the Republican Leadership to pull their pro-pollution bill, along with their pro-Confederate battle flag amendment, from the House floor. This was a victory for all Americans who strive for a better, stronger, and more just America, and for the Democratic Representatives who stand with them.”

Congresswoman McCollum is the ranking Democratic member on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and the Democratic co-chair of the Native American Caucus.

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