U.S. Rep. Lawrence, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Votes to Pass the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Appropriations Act, 2023

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) voted to pass the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, sending it to President Biden's desk for his signature. This continuing resolution (CR) extends funding for vital federal agencies, including education, health, housing, and public safety programs, through December 16, 2022, to allow time for Congress to conclude bicameral, bipartisan negotiations to enact the Fiscal Year 2023 funding bill. 

"Today, I voted to pass this continuing resolution to keep our government open and working for the American people,'' said U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14). "This bill ensures federal agencies can continue doing their jobs without disruption. It also provides critical funding to support communities impacted by natural disasters and lower energy costs for hard-working families in Michigan and across the country."

"Most importantly, we need this bill so Congress can continue working on the final Fiscal Year 2023 spending bill. Let me be clear: this legislation is a temporary fix. As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to passing a spending bill that meets the needs of our communities before the end of this Congress."

The Continuing Resolution helps hard-working American families get back on their feet, allows our nation to respond to declared disasters, and supports Ukraine in their fight for democracy by providing: 

$1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help address pressure on low-income households' pocketbooks due to inflation.
Language that allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to obligate up to the full year amount available under the CR for the Disaster Relief Fund if needed to respond to declared disasters such as Hurricane Ian in Florida, Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and a severe storm, flooding, and landslides in Alaska. 
$2 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to aid the long-term housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs of communities impacted by disasters in 2021 and 2022.
$2.5 billion to help New Mexico communities recover from the largest wildfire in the state's history.
$20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi.
$12.35 billion in assistance related to Ukraine, including training, equipment, weapons, logistics support, and direct financial support for the government of Ukraine. 

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