Toomey's Statement on Senate Passage of Energy and Water Funding Bill

Statement

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after the Energy and Water Development funding bill passed the Senate this afternoon.

"Today, after considerable debate and multiple Democrat filibusters, the Senate rolled up its sleeves and passed Fiscal Year 2017 funding legislation that provides resources for the Army Corps of Engineers and important energy programs. While the bill is far from perfect and I am disappointed that some amendments were not accepted, I voted for the bill's final passage since it will help Pennsylvania in significant ways.

"In particular, I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation provides necessary funds for dredging the Delaware River to ensure that the Port of Philadelphia remains a vibrant hub of commerce and a source of job creation for years to come. This legislation also provides funds to help repair aging locks and dams in Western Pennsylvania that are critical for our state's river transportation system and our economy.

"It is good news that this bill funds these important infrastructure and security priorities yet remains consistent with overall spending limits. In fact, total discretionary outlays this year will remain lower than the spending levels of six years ago, prior to my arrival in the Senate.

"Hopefully, we can get this bill to the president's desk, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on other measures that will help the Commonwealth."

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