Press Releases

The Trump Administration supports passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, noting that “it funds numerous critical Administration priorities, including rebuilding the military, securing the border, combatting the opioid crisis, promoting school safety, empowering American working families, and providing a robust investment in infrastructure.”

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 1625), which provides critical funding to support rebuilding our nation’s military, securing the border, combating the opioid epidemic, and investing in our nation’s infrastructure.

“This funding bill makes important investments in national defense and our troops, school safety, combating the opioid epidemic, and rebuilding our infrastructure – including rural broadband development – to make a difference in the lives of Americans across the nation.

“One of the most basic responsibilities that Congress has is to fund our nation’s military, ensuring our servicemen and women have the resources they need to be ready to defend our nation and our freedoms. This funding bill fulfills that responsibility, providing the largest increase in in military funding 15 years to allow us to begin reversing the dangerous funding cuts of the previous decade.  Not only are we increasing our spending on equipment and training for the military, but we are taking care of the men and women of the armed forces and their families by providing the largest pay raise to our troops in almost 10 years. Additionally, we are taking the necessary first steps to secure our southern border by investing in a physical barrier, additional border agents and advanced surveillance technology to close the security gaps.

“While this funding bill makes critical investments in our national security, it almost makes important investments in our economic security.  This bill provides robust funding for infrastructure, providing important funding for rural broadband, rural water/wastewater grants and loans, and funding to enhance and repair VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.  The bill also includes funding for school safety and mental health services to prevent further tragedies from happening. Furthermore, with the opioid epidemic raging across the nation, we have put forth funding to reverse this trend and help those who are facing addiction.”

By the Numbers

$700 Billion for defense to rebuild the military capability and readiness

$1.571 Billion for physical barriers and technology along the Southwest border

$21.2 Billion to rebuild national infrastructure

$2.3 Billion to increase school safety

$4 Billion to combat the opioid epidemic

$685 Million to increase and expedite rural broadband development