OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Cochran Statement on New Continuing Resolution

Statement

Date: Dec. 6, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Government Operations Environment Immigration

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement on the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR.2028) introduced in the House of Representatives:

"Extending the continuing resolution into spring will allow Congress to work with the incoming administration on appropriations priorities for the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. I remain committed to passing thoughtful, fiscally-responsible bills as this process goes forward.

"This continuing resolution will provide for continued government operations and important funding for our Armed Forces and the fight against terrorism. I am pleased that it also provides additional funding to address urgent needs around the country, including disaster recovery."

The continuing resolution, which covers 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, will maintain government operations at a rate of $1.070 trillion through April 28, 2017.

The bill includes the FY2017 Security Assistance Appropriations Act, which provides an additional $10.1 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding for the Department of Defense ($5.8 billion) and Department of State ($4.3 billion) to pay for costs related to counterterrorism operations.

In addition, the measure contains $4.1 billion for supplemental disaster relief funding for recovery efforts across the country. Of significance, the additional funding will support flood recovery efforts in Louisiana, West Virginia, and Texas, as well as disaster recovery efforts from Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

The legislation also includes a limited number of "anomalies," which are programmatic or funding changes related to unique situations arising during the duration of the continuing resolution. Among them are provisions to maintain operational tempo and staffing necessary to address border security, immigration enforcement, aviation security, and protection of the President-elect.


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