Honesty and integrity matters.
The GOP-controlled House subcommittee made a decision on Friday to advance a legislative proposal aimed at reducing the funding allocated to the FBI by $1 billion.
According to Newsmax, the bill, which received approval from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, includes a 9% cut in funding for the FBI. This reduction would lead to a decrease in the agency’s budget from $11.3 billion to $10.3 billion in 2024.
If passed, the legislation would have several significant effects. It would result in a $400 million reduction in FBI salaries and expenses and prohibit the agency from proceeding with the development of a new headquarters building in the National Capitol Region.
Moreover, the bill aims to reshape the FBI by imposing restrictions on the use of funds. These restrictions include:
- The prohibition of politically sensitive investigations until the Department of Justice establishes a policy that requires impartial career staff to oversee such probes.
- The withholding of salary payments to any employee found guilty of retaliating against a whistleblower or violating an employee’s First Amendment rights.
- The requirement for all interviews to be recorded before being conducted.
- The prevention of the FBI from labeling any communication as misinformation or censoring lawful speech.
- The withholding of salary payments to any federal employee who fails to comply with a congressional subpoena.
Notably, Democrats have criticized this legislation. Representative Matt Cartwright, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, voiced concerns that the bill would defund law enforcement and divert funds from programs that create employment opportunities. Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, accused Republicans of defunding law enforcement, science, and rural development through their support for the bill.