Lowey floor statement on FY 2019 on Energy and Water Development, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Minibus

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this three-bill minibus, which delivers important victories for the American people.

The fiscal year 2019 Energy and Water Development, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch bill is a bipartisan rejection of President Trump’s extreme budget cuts.

It restores $8.1 billion in funding for programs that create jobs and strengthen our economy.

Instead of cutting Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs within the Department of Energy, as House Republicans proposed, we have increased its funding.

That means more resources to develop clean energy technology and accelerate job creation in this growing sector of the economy.

And this bill gives an emphatic thumbs down to President Trump’s proposed elimination of the highly successful ARPA-E program, which promotes and funds research and development of advanced energy technology.

Turning to the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs division, I am pleased that the bill provides a second installment of $2 billion for VA infrastructure improvements.

And, as more veterans suffer from our country’s devastating opioid epidemic, we are doing right by our veterans by providing $400 million for opioid treatment, prevention, and safety initiatives.

We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed for us in our Armed Forces and we must ensure they receive the benefits and assistance they deserve.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the VA MISSION Act, the White House and House Republicans refuse to live up to that sacred trust.

Despite the inclusion of nonbinding report language, the legislation before us utterly fails to address the transition of the VA Choice program from mandatory to discretionary spending.

It is deeply disappointing that we have been unable to address this issue with a bipartisan, bicameral compromise. Instead, Congress has left behind a shortfall that will lead to cuts to vital domestic programs, including for our veterans.

It is now imperative for next year that we find a responsible, long-term solution to protect domestic priorities and veterans’ health care.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not celebrate one of the successes in this bill that is closer to home.

I am delighted that we have secured $8.8 million in a new, dedicated funding stream for Member’s offices to pay interns.

Congressional interns should be reflective of the country we serve. This new funding will help a more diverse range of young people follow their dreams and begin a career in public service.

I appreciate the hard work of Chairman Frelinghuysen and the Subcommittee Chairmen Simpson, Carter, and Fortenberry, as well as our Senate counterparts, in crafting this compromise.

And I am grateful for the leadership of Ranking Members Marcy Kaptur, Tim Ryan, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz fighting on behalf of our priorities for the American people.

I urge my colleagues to support this minibus and I yield back.