Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

“It’s been a long weekend in DC,” said Rep. Hern. “I’ve spent the weekend working to ensure key priorities were included in this funding deal, like funding for the new Tulsa VA hospital, construction of the border wall, raises for the military, and funds for the long-awaited Tulsa levee improvements. Typically, our federal government is funded through 12 appropriations bills each year. This year, 10 one-sided appropriations bills passed the House, littered with poison pills. Because Pelosi was unwilling to work with Republicans, the bills never passed the Senate. Tonight’s bill included funding for the entire government, and those unnecessary policy riders were removed, maintaining the pro-life and 2^nd amendment protections that are a top priority for me and my constituents. I am proud to see bipartisan progress on this legislation and am happy to bring home these victories after a season of bitter partisan divides.

“Regarding the COVID relief funds, frustration and confusion have been the theme of all my conversations with my colleagues on either side of the aisle for the past six months. In July, Republicans pushed for the same COVID relief provisions that were included in today’s bill, but Pelosi refused to work across the aisle before the election, baffling even members of her own party. This bill, although six months late, includes much-needed funding for small businesses and families.  I am heartened that the unrelated policy riders previously included in negotiations were removed from the final version of this bill, essentially back to the language we began with this summer. Pelosi’s petty vendetta against President Trump is the only reason we are voting tonight and not six months ago.”

Rep. Hern concluded, “With our expanded Republican Conference in the new year, I hope to see more similar bipartisan work and good-faith legislating happen in the House. For now, I am ready to get back to my wife and celebrate the miracle of Christmas with my loved ones.”

Find more information on what’s included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act can be found here, and the full text can be found here.

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