Rep. Capps' Statement on Government Funding Agreement

Press Release

Today, Rep. Lois Capps issued the following statement upon voting in support of the bipartisan government funding agreement for Fiscal Year 2016:

"The yearlong government funding agreement that passed the House today represents the nature of bipartisan compromise in a divided government. While far from perfect, it does include a number of important victories for American families including increased funding for our local schools and Head Start programs, nearly double the amount of funding to combat childhood hunger, and strong investments in medical research and clean energy technologies.

"I am, however, deeply disappointed that my Republican colleagues insisted on including a provision to lift the oil export ban in this compromise agreement. This ban has been in place for 40 years to protect our national interests, and lifting it will not only increase fossil fuel emissions but it will eliminate American jobs. Despite this, I am pleased the agreement includes long-term wind and solar tax credits that will reduce roughly ten times more carbon pollution than the exports of oil will add. In addition, the bill does not include harmful policy riders that would hinder our nation's ability to participate in the global climate change agreement reached in Paris last week.

"Perhaps most important is that today's agreement avoids a dangerous and expensive government shut down and ensures that community programs up and down the Central Coast will remain open. All Americans should be able to trust that their government will function and be there for them when they need it. I voted for this compromise to ensure just that."

Source