Congressman Charles Bass

Legislation will fund federal government for remainder of Fiscal Year 2012

December 16, 2011

WASHINGTON – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed an omnibus appropriations bill to fund the federal government for the rest of Fiscal Year 2012.

Bass said:

"I'm pleased we've come to a bipartisan agreement on the last remaining appropriations bills to fund the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2012 and prevent a government shutdown. The bill upholds the overall base discretionary level of spending as agreed to in the Budget Control Act from this summer, and in all, total discretionary spending amounts to $7 billion less than last year's levels. It's a start in making the tough but necessary choices to rein in spending while meeting our nation's needs.

"There are several items of particular importance to New Hampshire, including an increase of $909 million over the President's request in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The legislation prioritizes LIHEAP funding for cold-weather states like New Hampshire and will help many needy families pay for home heating bills this winter. Having communicated with the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee about ensuring there is sufficient funding for LIHEAP, I'm pleased the conference committee was able to increase funding over the level requested by the President and begin to help meet the demand for this vital program."

The legislation also includes an increase of $21 million over last year's funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which supports important land conservation programs across the country and in the Granite State. Bass offered a fully-offset amendment to the Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill in July that would restore $20 million in funding for LWCF. Land conservation programs help to protect natural resources, increase access to outdoor recreation, and support job creation and economic growth.

Bass spoke on the House floor this week about the importance of ensuring adequate funding for LIHEAP. View the video here.

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