Delivering Wins to American Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165
Congress has made steady progress towards full-year government funding. In November, President Trump signed the first three appropriations bills into law. Building off that momentum, the U.S. House of Representatives passed three more appropriations bills last Thursday. Following that big win, the Appropriations Committee took another step in moving full-year funding measures forward by introducing two more bills over the weekend.
As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, I am of course very proud to see the progress we are making. We are giving policy force, focusing on our priorities, and implementing the mandate of the American people. Through these bills, we are advancing President Trump’s golden age and ensuring the government remains open and working for the taxpayers.
However, one of the most significant achievements of the appropriations bills, which are often not talked about enough, is the delivery of critical community projects nationwide.
Last Spring, every member of the House was given the opportunity to participate in the annual appropriations process. Through something referred to as “community project funding,” we were able to request funding for specific projects in our communities, so long as the projects have a federal nexus and meet other requirements established by the law, House Rules, and the Appropriations Committee.
So, now, as we move forward in passing funding legislation ahead of the January 30th deadline, we are seeing Members’ requests become law as part of these bills – an achievement we can all, no matter our political preferences, take pride in.
I know that I, for one, can confidently say I am very proud to see what I have been able to secure for Oklahoma’s Fourth District through these appropriations bills.
For example, in November, through the Military Construction appropriations legislation, I was able to secure funding for both Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill Army Installation. Then, just last week, I secured funding for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office to acquire Rapid DNA technology systems that they have wanted for quite some time. Additionally, a critical $1.351 billion for the National Weather Service, including the National Weather Center in Norman, and $20.9 million for tornado severe storm research, including the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory at the University of Oklahoma, was secured.
Through the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, I secured funding for the Moore Public Works Authority Water Transmission Line Project and to support tribes throughout the Fourth District. From money for activities that lead to lower costs for rural homes and farms to projects at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and so much more, I can truly say these funding packages will make a difference in Oklahoma and in Members’ districts throughout the country – and there is so much more to be secured in the next six appropriations bills.
So, as we continue to work to pass full-year funding for the government, I look forward to sending more appropriations bills to President Trump’s desk and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting these critical pieces of legislation.