Conaway Statement on Budget Deal, Government Funding

Statement

Friday, Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) released the following statement after Congress passed a government funding package and a two-year budget deal:

"This legislation does exactly what President Trump called on Congress to do by taking care of our military, as well as providing much needed relief for cotton and dairy farmers. This bill also extends funding for community health centers and rural hospitals, and includes key provisions from legislation I authored: The Carbon Capture Act.

"Millions of Americans are still working to put their lives back together after last year's natural disasters led to record-breaking losses. The congressional delegations from the two hardest hit states of Texas and Florida worked particularly hard to develop a package that provides help where it is needed most. The relief includes vital improvements to standing disaster programs and addresses significant gaps in the safety net for cotton and dairy farmers.

"Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) projects can capture up to 90 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions produced from the use of traditional fuel methods. I reintroduced the Carbon Capture Act last fall with 29 bipartisan cosponsors, and the legislation gained momentum with a wide range of support. I'm glad to see it included in this package, to ensure the continued development of these projects that not only support American ingenuity and energy independence, but also reduce emissions from traditional fuel sources.

"Rural and community health centers, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also taken care of in this legislation. CHIP and rural and community health centers provide vital health care access to Texans and our children, and will no longer have to operate without funding assurances.

"Most importantly, the men and women in our military who put their lives on the line for our freedoms everyday deserve our full support. Our commitment to them must include the resources they need to properly and safely execute their mission. I'm proud to say that in this legislation, our national defense will be provided for in full without fear of short-term funding running out.

On military funding, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Thornberry added, "Mike has been a strong, consistent advocate for our men and women in uniform by fighting for the resources they need to do their job. He has also worked tirelessly to bring about the first audit of the Department of Defense in its history, helping us ensure that the Pentagon is a responsible steward of the resources provided by Congress. I'm glad to have someone with his expertise supporting our military through this budget deal."

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