Congressman Rogers Applauds House Passage of Federal Spending Package for Fiscal Year 2018

Statement

U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act (H.R. 3354) to fund the federal government in fiscal year 2018.

The legislation includes all 12 annual Appropriations bills, and totals $1.2 trillion, including $87 billion in funding for Global War on Terror (GWOT)/Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). It funds critical programs like national defense and economic development, while also working to eliminate wasteful spending.

Rep. Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement about his support of the legislation:

"This bill beefs up our Armed Forces to ensure our brave men and women in uniform are well-equipped to beat back our enemies overseas and keep us safe here at home. It prioritizes our efforts to combat the drug abuse epidemic, providing robust funding for a comprehensive federal response that mirrors Operation UNITE's successful three-pronged strategy in Kentucky.

"The bill also includes important resources to reinvigorate the economy in our rural coal communities -- including strong funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission and another $30 million for the AML pilot program in Kentucky. I have secured two years of funding for this important effort to reclaim and repurpose abandoned mine land to create jobs and long-term opportunities.

"I'm optimistic this important legislation will be signed into law before the end of the year so we can continue to build on our progress in Southern and Eastern Kentucky."

Though the first four appropriations bills were approved in July, today's passed legislation combined those and the final eight appropriations bills.

The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Source