Johanns Supports Military, Veterans and Ag Approps Bills; Opposes Overall Spending Increases
Press Release
U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today opposed a measure to increase federal spending allocations for appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2015. He voted in favor of two appropriations bills that reduce spending: the Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill; as well as the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill.
"Our mammoth debt and alarming annual deficits continue to be a drain on our economy," Johanns said. "For this reason, I opposed increased spending levels, but will continue to support legislation that holds the line or reduces spending, as well as bills that accomplish the important task of supporting our troops."
Highlights of the bills include:
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill Includes Johanns' amendments that direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to look into ways to improve the VA construction process by:
-Further exploring the use of alternate solutions for funding VA construction projects; and
-Adding an extra layer of transparency to the VA by requiring an annual report on the process used to prioritize VA construction projects.
-Allocates funds for the fourth stage of funding for construction of the new United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM) facility at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue;
-Prohibits performance bonuses for senior officials at the VA until the Inspector -General completes the audit on the unfolding "secret waitlist" controversy and submits its findings to Congress; and
-Allocates additional resources to the office of the Inspector General to complete its VA audits.
Agriculture Appropriations Bill
-Includes Johanns' language to elevate and streamline trade issues at USDA; and
-Continues to provide support for ag research and education through both land-grant institutions and extension services such as 4-H.
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