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Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) spoke on the House Floor against the nearly $100 billion request by the Trump administration for the war in Iran. 

Video of her remarks can be found here, and a transcript can be found below:

Congresswoman Escobar: Thank you, Mr. Ranking Member [Brendan Boyle]. And thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise in strong opposition to this bill. Every day, Americans are being confronted with skyrocketing prices at the gas pump and at the grocery store. And this bill does absolutely nothing to address the economic crisis created by Donald Trump’s economic policies, including his tariffs and an illegal war.

Instead, Republicans in Congress are dumping nearly $100 billion into the budget to fund this illegal war. 

$100 billion. 

That could pay the salaries of 1 million elementary school teachers. It could pay for medical care for 7 million veterans. It's enough to fund nearly ten years of school lunches for every child and so much more.

Budgets are representative of our values and our priorities, and it is absolutely clear that neither the president nor congressional Republicans value or prioritize the needs of the American public.

Americans want a Congress that is willing to fix the economy that Donald Trump broke. We are willing every day of the week to do that hard work to come together to address these pressing issues. But $100 billion for something Americans don't want? We have to reject it.

I urge my colleagues to vote no on this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Ranking Member. And thank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.