Kaptur Statement On Completion Of Appropriations Process, 9/11 Anniversary, and National Climate Following Incidents of Tragic Gun Violence

Toledo, Ohio — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee released the following statement on the state of our nation as the government funding deadline looms at the end of September, amidst news of continued gun violence across America, and commemorations of the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. 

“This week is a deeply serious week in our country. As we commemorate 9/11, we face further tragedies in the form of shootings — citizen against citizen. Our nation is ripping apart at the seams, and needs profound healing.

“In Congress, the Committee on which I am honored to serve — the House Appropriations Committee continued to pursue its Constitutional responsibilities to fund the government of the United States for the 2026 federal fiscal year which begins on October 1st. If we do not meet our responsibilities, the federal government shuts down as the nation defaults — dangerous both at home and abroad. Our common defense, healthcare, national parks, future transportation, water systems, and so much more depend on our work to complete 12 separate appropriation bills to FUND the US government. All domestic and foreign responsibilities fall under our jurisdiction. It is exacting and complicated work not suited for a 10 second sound bite. 

“Our Committee of  63 elected Representatives completed our 12 Appropriations bills to ready them for Floor action before the end of September to assure our nation’s critical needs are addressed at home and abroad. With DOGE firings and layoffs already imposed by the Trump Administration, the challenge will be meeting the needs of the American people so as not to drive our nation backwards even as cost of living and affordability of necessities bears down on the American people.

“Wednesday evening, just before 10:00 pm, working on a bipartisan basis every single member of our Committee after having worked many long nights past midnight, and sometimes well beyond, worked to do the business of our Republic. I’m very proud of the members of our Appropriations Committee on both sides of the aisle, though we do not agree on a wide range of issues and accounts. Our Committee and its 12 subcommittees debated and voted up or down 310 amendments . . . more than any Committee in Congress. Republican and Democratic Members worked steadily to do our nation’s work. Committee staff has remained vigilant but strained under the weight of this responsibility as our 12 Subcommittees did their work: 

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies;
• Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies;
• Defense;
• Energy and Water Development;
• Financial Services and General Government;
• Homeland Security;
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies;
• Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies;
• Legislative Branch;
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies;
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs;
• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

 “Despite deep ideological and budgetary divisions, we did our work in the interest of the Republic. As we finished late Wednesday evening, most of the media in our country was focused on other matters. But I want to sincerely thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the full committee, Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, and every one of our 12 Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members for their diligence in meeting their patriotic duty to our people and the future of our country. The process we followed was civility — strained at times — in face of stark disagreement. But CIVIL. That is what our nation’s ideals represent. 

“Murder, gun violence, the drug epidemic — all on the forefront of many minds this week are warning signs of people who have lost their way. Young Americans and those of all ages must learn that despite strong feelings, and opinions, restraint and constructive dialogue that does not harm others or our country are the path to a stronger, United States of America. 

“We on the Appropriations Committee have and will continue to faithfully do our job and fulfill our duty as outlined in Article I of our United States Constitution, for the people we were sent here to serve. Onward!”

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