Ryan Zinke Votes to Reauthorize SRS Funding for Two Years, Urges Swift Action in Senate

Press Release

Today, Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke voted to extend Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding for two years by voting for the bipartisan bill, H.R. 2. Rural communities have experienced dramatic budget shortfalls since SRS funding expired on September 30, 2014, this measure will restore the necessary funds. In addition to reauthorizing SRS funding, the bill also makes structural improvements to Medicare for the first time in decades and extends funding for community health centers for two years (the funding was scheduled to expire in September of this year). H.R. 2 overwhelmingly passed the House with bipartisan support.

"H.R. 2 is absolutely critical for public health and local economies in rural Montana, and it is my hope that the Senate will take swift action to pass it," said Rep. Zinke. "I am proud Republicans and Democrats came together today to pass H.R. 2, which reauthorizes SRS funding and also extends funding for the community health care centers that rural Montanans rely on for quality and affordable care. This vote is proof Washington is fixable."

On SRS funding, specifically, Zinke said: "For too many of Montana's rural and timber communities, funding for infrastructure, education and other public services is grossly inadequate thanks in large part to federal mismanagement of our forests and public lands. While the SRS funding is extended for two years, I believe the best solution to ensure consistent funding of public projects and services is a strong economy that puts people back to work harvesting our timber in the sustainable and responsible way that made Montana a global leader in the industry. I will be working with the Montana delegation and local stakeholders in the coming weeks to help develop a plan that gets Montanans back to work, energizes our economy, and protects our beautiful forests."

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