Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) released the following statement after the House passed the Omnibus Appropriations FY 2016 Bill:
"While this omnibus isn't perfect, we have a responsibility to the American people to pass a financially solvent budget instead of yet another continuing resolution, which is why I voted for the omnibus."
"Unfortunately, the tax extender bill provides a troubling amount of tax breaks to special interests, fails to close loopholes, and increases our deficit by $622 billion, which is why I voted against this portion of the omnibus package."
"Still, we managed several critical wins for the American people in this omnibus. This package makes permanent vital tax breaks for our nation's families and students, including the Child Tax Credit (CTC), a $1000 tax credit per child, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), a $2500 tax credit per student for tuition and related expenses."
"In addition, the appropriations legislation also increases funding to NIH and Head Start, fully funds DACA, continues funding for refugee programs, and reauthorizes the James Zadroga 9/11 First Responders Health and Compensation Act."
"I'm encouraged by elements of this omnibus that will strengthen the Armed Forces and ensure they are fully trained and equipped. This omnibus includes a 1.3% pay raise for service members and $32.3 billion for the Defense Health Program, providing for adequate research and treatment of injuries such as traumatic brain injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This bill also includes funding for a multiyear procurement of the Army's UH-60 Blackhawk utility helicopters which will help the Army National Guard replace aging helicopters more quickly, strengthening the Army National Guard's capabilities to respond to domestic emergencies such as fighting forest fires. This omnibus will also increase Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding by 10% demonstrating DoD's focus and commitment to investing in more innovation and developing the most high-tech military."
"I am extremely disappointed that the Senate side lifted a ban placed by both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to prohibit the use of Russian rocket engines to launch satellites. I believe the decision to lift this ban is not only a risk to national security but damaging for American industries."
"I'm pleased that this omnibus addresses clean power by extending tax credits for wind and solar producers for five years, and reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund for an additional three years. Furthermore, this omnibus includes a big win for labor, suspending the "Cadillac Tax" on high cost health insurance plans for two years."
"Although there were many Democratic priorities that weren't included in the omnibus, going forward I hope to work with Republicans to ensure that the needs of the American people are met."