Press Releases

Wasserman Schultz Statement on GOP Politicizing Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after she voted against H.R. 5325, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2017. Rep. Wasserman Schultz is the Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee:

“Today House Republicans injected divisive partisan politics into one of Congress’ most non-partisan bills – the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The bill funds, among other things, the operations of the United States Capitol, which is a shining beacon of democracy and freedom across the world. Unfortunately, House Republicans have decided this bill was the perfect vehicle to force the Library of Congress to continue using the subject heading “Illegal Aliens” – even though it had decided to stop doing so. It is truly shameful that House Republicans forced the Library of Congress to use a term that millions across America find outdated and offensive, but it is no great surprise. I voted against this bill – and I stand against this kind of appalling politicization that House Republicans have forced on us time and time again.”

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As Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Wasserman Schultz offered an amendment in the full Appropriations Committee to allow the Library of Congress to use subject headings without political influence. The Committee voted down the amendment 25-24.

The American Library Association petitioned the Library of Congress to stop using the term “Illegal Aliens” and the Library agreed to do so as part of its annual process to change subject headings. The Library changes its subject headings three to four thousand times a year in order to use subject headings that reflect current day uses of words.

Contact:

Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931