July 10, 2009

Appropriations

This week the House continued work on the FY 2010 appropriations bills with consideration of H.R. 2997: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This legislation provides funding to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for continued improvements to the safety of our food and medicines through enhanced inspections. It increases funding for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program so that an additional 700,000 people have access to this nutrition initiative. H.R. 2997 also enhances funding for the International Food Aid Program which provides emergency food supplies to countries in need.

I voted YES. H.R. 2997 passed and the entire vote is recorded below:

The House also passed H.R. 3081: Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill. Among other provisions, this legislation provides $13.4 billion for national security and related initiatives, including efforts to fight terrorism. It also focuses on diplomacy by increasing funding for diplomatic efforts at the State Department, and to hire 1,000 more Foreign Service Officers. It provides stabilization and rebuilding funds for Iraq , Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as significant increases in global health and peacekeeping funding. H.R. 3081 includes some initiatives I requested, including language to strengthen reintegration programs in Sudan for returning persons displaced by violence and unrest.

I voted YES. H.R. 3018 passed and the entire vote is recorded below:

Finally on Friday the House considered H.R. 3082: Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Act. This legislation provides $14.5 billion more than last yearŐs budget for the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which will be used for services like medical care and assistance processing claims, and for improvements to existing facilities. Additional funding is also included for mental health care, new Community Based Outpatient Centers , homeless assistance and medical and prosthetic research. H.R. 3082 also funds housing improvements for Army trainees and upgrades to National Guard facilities. $2 billion is included for improved military family housing.

I voted YES. H.R. 3082 passed and the entire vote is recorded below:

What's Up Next

Next week the House will continue consideration of FY 2010 appropriations bills.