WASHINGTON– Today, the House passed the FY2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act, an omnibus bill that provides discretionary funding for the entire federal government. The omnibus legislation contains all twelve regular appropriations bills for FY2014, and reduces federal spending for the fourth year in a row. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) released the following statement in support of the bill:

“With this appropriations legislation, we will reduce our long-term deficits over the next 10 years, without raising taxes.  The negotiated budget agreement Congress passed last month has brought about this targeted appropriations package that funds critical government functions, yet scales back or eliminates funding for wasteful initiatives.

“I am extremely pleased that this legislation designates $404 million for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) being built at Kansas State University. This is great news for the Kansas economy, Kansas jobs, and reiterates that NBAF is a critical need for our nation’s security that ranks high on the list of federal priorities.

“This bill also includes millions of dollars for Mental Health First Aid. The $15 million investment will be devoted to new mental health training programs like those administered by the Bert Nash Community Health Center in Lawrence, Kansas. Helping folks gain better access to mental health resources to care for loved ones is something I am passionate about, and have championed over the last decade. I am extremely glad to see action being taken that will make a real difference in peoples’ lives and create healthier communities for our kids.

“As promised, this legislation also addresses the retired-pay issue for military retirees. I am glad to report that this legislation ensures medically retired and disabled armed forces personnel and their survivors receive their full Cost-of-Living-Adjustment. In addition, all of Kansas’ Veterans will see benefits from this appropriations package. Funds have been allocated to specifically address the disability claims backlog, a pervasive issue that leaves countless Veterans’ turning to my office for help in getting the assistance they need. A goal has been set to completely eliminate the backlog by the end of 2015.” 

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