Veasey Statement on Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, a long-term funding bill for the 2016 Fiscal Year:
"After a series of tough negotiations, House Republican Leadership finally presented House Democrats with a long-term funding bill that reflects the bipartisan two-year budget deal enacted in November. While the bill is not perfect, it is a bipartisan compromise that I voted in favor of as it will benefit thousands of North Texas residents and over 24 million working and middle-class families each year. This legislation will help grow our economy and build economic security by investing in job training programs, advanced manufacturing, education and research."
"A $326 million increase in Child Care and Development Block Grants will make affordable childcare more accessible for working families and an additional $579 million increase for Head Start will prepare students from all backgrounds for success in the classroom. New funds for Summer EBT grants, WIC and Section 8 Rental Assistance will ensure that hardworking families have access to the resources they need to feed and house their loved ones. The bill also restores the $2.5 billion in Republican proposed education cuts and makes critical investments in Title I funds for over 20 million at-risk students. Finally, $187 million in COPS hiring grants and $80 million for the Community Policing Initiative will help hire more qualified police officers and purchase body-worn cameras to help build trust between law enforcement and their communities."
"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I advocated to eliminate sequestration cuts that harm our military and the industries that support them. Consistent with funding levels in this year's NDAA Conference Report, our military personnel will receive an overdue pay raise and additional funding will be allocated for the F-35 Joint Fighter aircraft and the V-22 Osprey to ensure their continued production."
"I commend House Democratic leaders for their dedication during the omnibus negotiation process. House Republicans have shown that they are willing to risk the economic security of the American people to advance their partisan agenda. I remain committed to fighting for North Texas families and ensuring that their priorities are represented during the next session of the 114th Congress."
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