Shortly after midnight, the U.S. Senate passed a $1.3 trillion spending package that will keep the government funded through the end of September. The move avoided a government shutdown.
The measure strengthens America’s national defense by making the largest investment in our Armed Forces since the beginning of the War on Terror. It provides a pay raise for the troops, funds new weapon systems, and invests heavily in measures designed to counter threats from ISIL and North Korea. Additionally, the legislation cares for our veterans by providing record level VA funding.
The bill also provides $4.6 billion to combat the opioid crisis, which will be spread across agencies for the purpose of opioid prevention, treatment, and enforcement.
To renew America’s aging infrastructure, the legislation includes more than $21.2 billion in new infrastructure funding to ensure public safety, create efficiencies, and promote economic growth. This includes investment in rural infrastructure, including a new initiative for areas without broadband access.
Further, the bill secures the homeland with adequate funding to fight terrorism, enhance criminal law enforcement, and secure U.S. borders – dedicating $1.57 billion toward physical barriers on the southern border, in addition to added funding for immigration enforcement.
The legislation also safeguards America’s students by providing more than $2 billion in mental health, training, and school safety efforts to keep our kids and schools safe. It also contains the STOP School Violence Act to help ensure lifesaving resources are available to states and schools to stop violence before it happens.
The stopgap spending measure passed the Senate by a vote of 65-32, after advancing in the House of Representatives hours earlier by a vote of 256-167. The measure will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
Here’s how the Alabama delegation voted and what they have to say about the legislation:
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby:
This measure will deliver the resources and certainty that the American military deserves, specifically the largest year-to-year increase in defense funding in 15 years. After a lack of investment to our nation’s Armed Services, Congress is working to strengthen our national defense. The legislation also contains a host of important victories on behalf of the American people, such as fighting the opioid epidemic, rebuilding America’s aging infrastructure, protecting the American people by securing the homeland, and safeguarding our students. I am proud that the Senate has passed this strong bill.
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones:
No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill.
Ala. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne:
With today’s vote, we are finally getting the resources to our military men and women they need to keep our nation safe… Very important to me, this bill funds the construction of three Littoral Combat Ships and one Expeditionary Fast Transport. It also supports the various other military programs and installations across Alabama.
The bill paves the way for new road projects, like the I-10 Bridge, while also ensuring resources for improvements to the Port of Mobile, other road projects, and expansion of rural broadband initiatives. It includes strong funding levels for vital coastal ecosystem programs and makes critical investments for Alabama’s farmers and foresters. At the end of the day, I am confident Alabama is a big winner in this funding bill.
Ala. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby:
No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill.
Ala. 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers:
No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill.
Ala. 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt:
No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill.
Ala. 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks:
No statement made. Voted against the bill.
Ala. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer:
While I strongly support the increased funding for our military, I could not in good conscience vote for the Omnibus that costs almost $1.3 trillion. The military threats to our national security are real and serious, but so is the fiscal threat to our national security. As a result of years of deficit spending, trillions have been added to our national debt, which recently reached $21 trillion for the first time. Eventually the bill will come due with major consequences for our nation.
Ala. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:
Today’s vote to keep the government open for the rest of the fiscal year and fund critical public services is an important step forward and a testament to effective, bipartisan cooperation. On issues ranging from healthcare to infrastructure to education, this bill takes a commonsense approach to addressing some of the biggest challenges my constituents and many Americans face.
