Richard Shelby: Senate approves funding for critical national priorities

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Richard Shelby

On Monday, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved a $145 billion spending bill for critical national priorities — including funding for Energy and Water Development, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch for the next budget year — which Senators hope marks the end to a pattern of partisan funding battles. 

Alabama U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, called the passage of H.R. 5895 the result of strong bipartisan work.

“Following months of strong bipartisan work in the Senate, we have approved a package of three appropriations bills through regular order,” said Shelby. “Through an open and fair amendment process, the Senate has displayed its ability to stay the course and move funding bills in a manner that benefits the American people.”

The funding measure, which is the first FY2019 appropriations legislation passed by the Senate, was approved vote of 86-5. The package provides a total of $145.64 billion in discretionary funding, with the majority of this funding supporting our national defense and veterans.

Shelby continued, “I am pleased that the Senate has passed this important legislation, marking the first set of funding bills that represent our renewed framework for success. These responsible, targeted investments will help advance American energy security, support our nation’s water infrastructure, and ensure maximum readiness and warfighting capability for our troops. The measure also takes steps to increase the safety of those working in and visiting our Capitol complex. Further, the legislation includes record-level discretionary funding for the VA to provide essential health care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans.”

Prior to the vote for passage Shelby spoke on the Senate floor regarding his support for the legislation.

Watch his remarks below: