Griffin: House Passes Bill to Support National Security, Infrastructure and Energy Independence

Statement

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) today issued the following statement after the House passed the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 (H.R. 4923):

"Today's bill strengthens our national security by prioritizing the safety and readiness of our nuclear arsenal, invests in America's infrastructure, including Army Corps of Engineers projects that aid public safety and economic growth, and supports energy independence and research to improve our nation's standing in the global economy. Helping grow jobs and improving America's ability to compete while respecting taxpayer dollars is imperative to strengthening our economy, and that's why I support this bill."

H.R. 4923 provides funding for national defense nuclear weapons activities, the Army Corps of Engineers, various programs under the Department of Energy, and other related agencies. The legislation provides a total of $34 billion in discretionary funding, which is $50.5 million below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $326.9 million above the President's request. "The bill prioritizes funding for our national security, providing increases for nuclear weapons programs above fiscal year 2014. The bill also protects funding for critical national and regional waterways -- which handle commerce valued at more than $1.7 trillion annually -- through the Army Corps of Engineers, and programs that encourage energy independence and economic competitiveness," according to the House Appropriations Committee.

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