Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-02-04

SUPPORTING SAFETY NET SERVICES

TaxesTrade

Context

On 2026-02-04, Representative Jodey C. Arrington (R-TX-19) delivered a floor speech titled "SUPPORTING SAFETY NET SERVICES" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered trade policy.

Full Text

SUPPORTING SAFETY NET SERVICES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [House] [Page H1980] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SUPPORTING SAFETY NET SERVICES (Mr. Arrington of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. ARRINGTON. Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, my Democratic colleagues--maybe not all of them, but what I just heard--gave a complete mischaracterization of the program integrity measures that Republicans put in the big, beautiful bill. While the fraud, waste, and abuse is on display for all Americans, not only in Minnesota, but all across this country, we find it unacceptable. We believe that one of our first responsibilities here in the people's House is to steward the people's sacred treasure. We put financial controls, anti-fraud measures, and, again, program integrity reforms so that people who need these safety net programs can avail themselves. They will not be drained anymore by people who are illegally in this country, ineligible, or who are able-bodied adults who just simply refuse to work. That is all. I mean, I think that is, as we say, an 80-20 issue in this country. No, people aren't starving and being thrown into the streets with no support who need it. We are protecting and preserving not only the tax dollar, but these important critical safety net services for the American people who are eligible. I am grateful for that leadership from the President and from my Republican colleagues. I can't imagine that most Democrats throughout this country actually support us protecting their tax dollars, too. ____________________

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SUPPORTING SAFETY NET SERVICES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [House] [Page H1980] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SUPPORTING SAFETY NET SERVICES (Mr. Arrington of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. ARRINGTON. Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, my Democratic colleagues--maybe not all of them, but what I just heard--gave a complete mischaracterization of the program integrity measures that Republicans put in the big, beautiful bill. While the fraud, waste, and abuse is on display for all Americans, not only in Minnesota, but all across this country, we find it unacceptable. We believe that one of our first responsibilities here in the people's House is to steward the people's sacred treasure. We put financial controls, anti-fraud measures, and, again, program integrity reforms so that people who need these safety net programs can avail themselves. They will not be drained anymore by people who are illegally in this country, ineligible, or who are able-bodied adults who just simply refuse to work. That is all. I mean, I think that is, as we say, an 80-20 issue in this country. No, people aren't starving and being thrown into the streets with no support who need it. We are protecting and preserving not only the tax dollar, but these important critical safety net services for the American people who are eligible. I am grateful for that leadership from the President and from my Republican colleagues. I can't imagine that most Democrats throughout this country actually support us protecting their tax dollars, too. ____________________