Reichert Statement on Spending Package

Statement

This afternoon, the House passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after the vote:

"Today, my colleagues and I passed important legislation that not only continues to fund the government, but also gives our troops a much-needed pay raise, funds medical research, ensures resources to fight the opioid epidemic, provides more funding for underprivileged students to pursue higher education, and improves school safety by investing in mental health and violence prevention programs in schools. Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently voted in support of legislation that ensures our government remains open and serving the American people. I am proud that this legislation consists of more than just a short-term extension of funding, and instead provides funding for several government agencies through the next fiscal year, providing funding certainty for key programs that the American people rely on."

This "minibus" appropriations bill funds the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education, and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2019. The bill includes funding to support military readiness and includes a 2.6% pay raise for our troops, the largest pay raise in nine years. It also makes critical investments in several programs championed by Congressman Reichert, including medical research through the DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program and the National Institutes of Health; as well as funding for Community Health Centers and programs to improve school safety and access to mental health services. The bill also increases funding for special education, and programs to help prepare low income students for college, including an increase in the maximum Pell Grant award. Finally, the bill rejects efforts to eliminate funding for public broadcasting.

The package also includes a Continuing Resolution that will fund remaining government programs not included in the minibus through December 7, 2018, as well as an extension of the Violence Against Women Act. The bill also provided an additional $8.8 billion for victims of Hurricane Florence.

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