Tonko Secures Major Wins for Capital Region in Federal Budget

Statement

Congressman Tonko announced today transformative investments delivered in H.R. 2471, bipartisan government funding legislation that will help working families with the cost of living, create American jobs, and support the vulnerable.

"The historic investments advanced in our bipartisan omnibus package are a reflection of America's deepest values," Congressman Tonko said. "I'm proud to vote for this legislation that works to strengthen the middle class, support our most vulnerable communities, create good jobs, expand clean energy research and so much more. I look forward to seeing these key provisions and programs enacted at once to give much-needed support and improve the lives of so many in our community."

Clean energy
Rep. Tonko: "Investing in clean energy means investing in good paying jobs, in American competitiveness and in a better, more equitable future. That's why I pushed hard to fully fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), deliver a nearly $260 million increase in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and boost funding for ARPA-E by $23 million."

Mental health and addiction
Rep. Tonko: "Now more than ever, we must provide support to our family, friends and neighbors who are struggling with mental illness and working to overcome the disease of addiction. Our federal budget addresses this growing need, with $2 billion to invest in mental health, $3.9 billion for substance use treatment, and billions more to support public health and drive healthcare research."

Heritage areas
Rep. Tonko: "I've long fought to strengthen and support our historic and cherished sites, and I'm proud of the inclusion of my Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission Reauthorization Act, alongside $27 million for the Heritage Partnership Program to put our Heritage Areas on sound financial footing so they can continue to deliver the resources necessary to ensure our precious sites are protected for years to come."

Broadband access
Rep. Tonko: "In this day and age, broadband internet is a necessity, yet millions remain underserved without the access they need to work, learn and be connected. Our spending bill addresses this critical need, with $450 million for ReConnect rural broadband, $382 million for the Federal Communications Commission, and funding for the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth--established under my ACCESS BROADBAND Act."

Job growth
Rep. Tonko: "Under the Biden Administration, we have seen job growth and economic development unlike any seen in decades. Our federal budget builds on that powerful work with $374 million for the Economic Development Administration to support infrastructure and public-works projects, promote regional innovation, and spur job creation in communities across the nation."

Transportation and infrastructure
Rep. Tonko: "The omnibus package builds on the ground-breaking Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with $775 million for in national infrastructure investments--including $20 million for grants to assist areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities--and $2.3 billion for Amtrak that supports $874.5 million for Northeast Corridor Grants."

The legislation also:

Provides $13.6 billion in emergency funding for security and humanitarian needs for Ukraine, as Russia wages its brutal war.
Secures major bipartisan legislation, including reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and creating new cybersecurity protections to fight against vicious cyber-attacks to our infrastructure by Russia and other bad actors.

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