Congressman Gibson Announces Support For Agreements To Strengthen National Security, Further Pro-Growth Tax Policy

Press Release

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced today his support for two pieces of legislation that will be voted on by the House today and tomorrow and are expected to be signed into law by President Obama. The first piece of legislation makes permanent or extends important tax policy provisions and the second agreement provides certainty in funding for a number of important priorities through Fiscal Year 2016.

"While not perfect, these two agreements have some significant victories for New York. I am especially proud that, working together as a New York delegation, we ensured our 9/11 first responders have the healthcare they have earned. We also provided funding through Fiscal Year 2016 for critical national security and domestic priorities, and preserved a number of important tax provisions to help our small businesses remain competitive and prevented tax increases on individuals," said Congressman Gibson. "Securing funding for our national security is absolutely critical at a time when we face threats from abroad and at home. I cannot stress enough how critical non-sequester funding levels for our national defense are to keeping us safe, and I look forward to supporting these bills that will be good for my constituents and the country."

The first agreement makes permanent several important tax provisions, achieving certainty for individuals and businesses, boosting economic growth and jobs. It also provides the foundation for comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform. Important provisions made permanent for families include expanded earned income tax credits and the child tax credit. For our small businesses and farms, Section 179 expensing was made permanent, allowing for easier investment in new property and equipment.

The second agreement funds the government through FY2016 and incorporates a number of positive policy changes. Importantly, the bill extends the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act for our first responders through 2090 and the 9/11 Victim's Compensation Fund for five years. Included in the agreement are a variety of provisions related to delaying and defunding the Affordable Care Act, as well as making improvements to the visa waiver program in order to strengthen our national security. It fully funds our troops' pay and addresses shortfalls in our military readiness.

The legislation allows for lower energy prices and decreases our reliance on foreign oil by lifting the crude oil export ban and increasing funding for the energy efficiency and renewable energy account. It also increases funding for the National Institutes of Health to fight cancer, Alzheimer's and to fund brain research, and provides additional funding for special education and charter school grants. Additionally, it fully funds Pell Grant Awards to a maximum of $5,915. The agreement includes a three year authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, for which Congressman Gibson has been advocating as well.

The House is expected to consider the tax policy package today and the funding legislation tomorrow, sending both bills to the Senate for passage.

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