Scott Statement on FY16 Omnibus

Statement

Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 2029, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016, which fully funds the federal government through September 30, 2016, provides a two year implementation delay of the excise tax on high-cost employer sponsored health insurance plans, makes important investments in students and does not hinder the Department of Labor's ability to enforce rules that protect workers. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 316-113 (Roll Call No.705).

"Despite recent gains in our economy, too many working families are still struggling to make ends meet. With today's vote, the House has taken a significant step forward to help workers, students and families. The investments made in this bill are necessary to ensure our nation's economic health and competitiveness.

"The bill provides substantial support for job training and apprenticeship programs, which are proven pathways to a sustainable career. I am pleased that some of the most egregious policy riders that were in early versions of the bill were ultimately removed. These provisions would have allowed interference with employee organizing, unsafe workplaces, unscrupulous retirement savings advice, discrimination and wage theft.

"This appropriations bill also includes significant increases in federal education programs, especially for those benefiting low-income students. These additional funds will help close resource and opportunity gaps at every level of our education system and will help make sure a high-quality education is within reach of every American child.

"While this bill provides adequate funding increases for programs that support students and workers, Congress must still rebalance its priorities to better ensure that hardworking American families have the opportunity to prosper. I am confident that by working together, we can increase investments in measures to boost wages, help workers to better balance work and family life, and level the playing field to create opportunity for all in the future."

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