Congressman Marino Votes to Support our Troops and Fight the Opioid Epidemic

Press Release

Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) issued the following statement regarding his vote on the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2018:

"Today I voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations package to provide certainty for our military servicemembers, their families, and many sorely-needed domestic programs that are critical to millions of Americans.

"As I said when Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act last month, members of our armed forces deserve all of the support we can provide. This appropriations bill provides the largest year-to-year increase in defense funding in 15 years, and gives our troops a well-deserved salary increase. The funding will allow military leaders to increase troop levels, improve readiness efforts, and address years of neglect to infrastructure and equipment. This measure is absolutely necessary to ensure our military can effectively defend our country and pass on the freedoms we enjoy to the next generation.

"Moreover, the appropriations package provides roughly $4 billion to combat the opioid epidemic that has decimated communities across the country. This is the largest opioid investment to date, and it specifically targets rural regions by providing funding for the Rural Communities Opioid Response program. Pennsylvania has been hit particularly hard by the opioid crisis, and this funding will go a long way toward helping those battling crippling addictions.

"This bill allocates $1.6 billion as a down payment to strengthen our border security. It is a strong step in the right direction in the process to fully fund President Trump's proposed border wall, and I am committed to continue to fight for that funding.

"Numerous other provisions supporting initiatives like school safety and rural broadband development will have an immediate impact on the lives of millions of Americans. Also included in this omnibus bill is the CLOUD Act, which creates a much-needed framework for law enforcement to access data stored in other nations while simultaneously encouraging our allies to bolster their privacy laws. I am happy to say that this has been a priority of mine over the past few Congresses, and its inclusion in the appropriations package is a victory for privacy and human rights protections."

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