House Passes FY 2018 Spending Bill

Statement

Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation that fully funds the federal government for the remainder of the 2018 fiscal year (FY). The bill is in-line with the recent spending caps agreement and provides an additional $80 billion for national defense -- the largest year-to-year increase in base funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) in 15 years and the biggest pay raise for our service members in 8 years. It also provides nearly $4 billion in funding to combat the opioid epidemic through treatment, prevention, and law enforcement programs. Approximately $21.2 billion has been approved in new funding for long-overdue improvements to our nation's highways, railways, and airports as part of the administration's efforts to rebuild American infrastructure. The spending bill also boosts funding for workforce development in high-growth job fields, including a $50 million increase for apprenticeship programs, $75 million for career and technical education programs, and offers additional funding for child care and early head start programs. The omnibus also provides $73 million in funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program.

"While I remain concerned about our national debt and am fighting for measures in the FY19 appropriations bill that will reduce spending, the profound need for investment in our military could not be ignored. We are making sure our military is fully funded and rebuilt, our infrastructure is restored, and our economy continues to grow. We are investing more dollars into apprenticeship and career technical education, which will fill Virginia's vacant jobs. We addressed the opioid crisis, which the President has declared as a national emergency. From a military pay raise to building more ships to fully funding Chesapeake Bay restoration, this bill is a huge win for Hampton Roads and for America," said Congressman Scott Taylor.

Source