Griffin: House Passes Resolution to Preserve Critical Government Functions and Address Growing Terrorist Threat

Press Release

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement after the House passed the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (H.J. Res. 124), which provides short-term funding for government operations through December 11, 2014:

"While the House has passed seven appropriations bills this year, Senate leadership has refused to bring any of these bills to the floor. Today's bipartisan resolution includes a short-term fix that preserves critical government functions and maintains current spending levels, pre-set by the Ryan-Murray budget agreement.

"Our resolution also contains an important amendment, strongly supported by General David Petraeus, to help address the growing threat of the terrorist group Islamic State. This amendment will allow the U.S. to assist and train and equip properly vetted members of the Syrian opposition to fight Islamic State terrorists, and also includes essential provisions to ensure the President is held accountable in his approach to this terrorist threat.

"I urge the Senate to pass this bill and work with the House to implement a long-term solution for our budget priorities and an effective strategy to eradicate Islamic State terrorists that endanger our safety and freedom."

Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, submitted an amendment to H.J. Res. 124, which would authorize the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to train and equip appropriately vetted elements of the Syrian opposition to fight Islamic State terrorists in Syria. This amendment does not authorize additional funds, requires a plan to be submitted to Congress 15 days after enactment and requires a report to Congress every 90 days after the first report. Nothing in this authorization allows for the President or the Department of Defense (DoD) to put U.S. Armed Forces on the ground in Iraq or Syria.

H.J. Res. 124 extends funding for operations for all federal agencies, programs and services until December 11, 2014. The bill provides funding at the current annual rate of $1.012 trillion.

According to the House Appropriations Committee, virtually all existing policy and funding provisions included in currently enacted fiscal year 2014 appropriations legislation will carry forward in H.J. Res. 124. The resolution does not include new controversial riders, or large changes in existing federal policy.

However, the resolution does include some changes to existing law that are needed to prevent catastrophic, irreversible or detrimental changes to government programs, to address current national or global crises or to ensure good government. These provisions are funded within the total level of funding in the legislation. Some of these provisions include:

A provision to extend expiring Department of Defense activities, including counter-drug operations, support to the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq and rewards for assistance in combatting terrorism.

A provision to continue a surge in funding for State Department programs to counter regional aggression toward Ukraine and other former Soviet Union countries.

Several provisions to ensure appropriate treatment of veterans and continued oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as additional funds for disability claims processing and funds for investigations into potential improper conduct, including "waitlist" and "whistleblower" allegations.

A provision allowing funding flexibility for Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to maintain staffing levels, border security operations, detention space and immigration enforcement activities.

Provisions to address the recent Ebola crisis, including additional funding to accelerate HHS research on Ebola therapies, and additional funding for the Centers for Disease Control's response to the growing outbreak in Africa.

A provision allowing additional funds to offset food price increases in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to ensure that no current recipients are removed from the program.

A provision allowing funding flexibility to maintain weather satellite programs, ensuring the continuation of data for weather warnings and forecasts, including forecasts of severe weather events.

A provision allowing the continuation of current funding for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.

A provision extending the operating authority for the Export-Import Bank through June 30, 2015.

A provision extending the Internet Tax Freedom Act through the period of the CR ending on December 11, 2014.

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