Lucas Statement on Passage of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations

Statement

Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3) today voted to pass the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157, the second Fiscal Year 2019 minibus appropriations package. This legislation includes funding for the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Lucas released the following statement upon passage of the bill:

"This is the first time in a decade that Congress has sent a spending bill for defense to the President's desk on time. This is critical funding for defense and domestic issues, including rebuilding and restoring our armed services and supporting our men and women in uniform. Those serving in our military deserve the stability of a fully funded Department of Defense."

"The Third District of Oklahoma is home to two Air Forces bases, so prioritizing defense funding is imperative. This bill authorizes a 2.6 percent raise for our troops, which is the largest pay raise in nine years. Congress is ensuring the Department of Defense has the ability to modernize in order to keep our country safe."

"The bill also directs historic funding to fight and end the opioid epidemic. With Oklahoma being one of the leading states in opioid prescriptions, supporting programs to combat this crisis is common sense legislation."

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