evidence: I voted "No" on H.Res.1061, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which funds departments such as the VA, USDA, Commerce, DOJ, Department of Energy, Department of Interior, and Department of Transportation though the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year. While there were positive aspects of this bill, including the 12 Community Funding Projects we submitted to help residents of NY-24, fully funding veterans’ healthcare and toxic exposure programs, military construction projects and important agricultural research programs, this bill in its entirety, negotiated behind closed doors, was a bridge too far. With over $34 trillion of national debt and counting, Congress should not spend another $1.65 trillion while failing to address the crises plaguing our nation in a meaningful way. I understand the complexity and frustration of a divided government, however our communities will continue to suffer under Biden’s polices that spend our tax dollars on the woke and Green New Deal projects that have been inserted into this bill. This 1,050-page spending monstrosity does not provide the relief that the American people are demanding and will only increase already sky-high prices and add to our national debt.