As lawmakers continue to scrutinize the FBI’s treatment of conservatives, House Republicans have taken action by proposing a $1 billion funding cut for the bureau. Additionally, they aim to enhance protections for federal whistleblowers.
This move reflects ongoing concerns and inquiries surrounding the FBI’s actions and policies.
The bill was approved by Republicans on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.
The bill’s journey to becoming law might face challenges in the Senate and potentially from the White House. If enacted, the bill would result in approximately a 9% reduction in FBI funding.
In addition to the funding cuts, the proposed bill includes provisions to restrict the use of funds allocated for the FBI’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, along with other agency diversity offices falling under the purview of the appropriations bill.
The bill covers a range of federal agencies, including the Commerce Department and the Department of Justice, aiming to address concerns related to the allocation of resources towards diversity initiatives within these entities.
Under the proposed bill, the Department of Justice (DOJ) would face a $2 billion funding reduction, while the Commerce Department would experience a $1.4 billion decrease in discretionary spending.
A House Republican subcommittee advanced legislation that would cut funding for the FBI by $1 billion, and decrease overall funding for related agencies to 2022 levels.https://t.co/5WFCPwiKEZ
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 15, 2023
These budget cuts are part of the broader fiscal measures outlined in the bill, as lawmakers aim to reallocate resources and prioritize funding across various government agencies.
According to Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-TX), the bill serves to “hold the Department of Justice accountable” and enhance the efficiency of our immigration court system.
Granger emphasized that the legislation offers support to state and local law enforcement agencies while providing vital resources to combat the influx of illegal drugs into our nation.
In response to Rep. Jim Jordan’s (R-OH) request, the DOJ appropriations bill has been revised to incorporate a whistleblower provision. This provision explicitly prohibits retaliation against FBI whistleblowers and goes a step further by preventing the use of taxpayer funds to pay the salaries of any official found guilty of retaliating against a whistleblower.
Throughout the year, House Republicans have diligently gathered testimonies from whistleblowers within the FBI and IRS. Among them is Gary Shapley, an IRS whistleblower who boldly came forward and shared his experience of facing retaliation. Shapley revealed that he was targeted due to raising concerns about the DOJ.
