WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-5) released the following statement after Congress voted to fund the government through September:
“Despite President’s Trump’s desire to play political games with our government, cooler heads have prevailed and we have passed legislation that will ensure our federal government is fully funded through the end of September.
“This final deal stands in stark contrast to President’s Trump’s initial draconian budget request that called for gutting billions from lifesaving medical research, paying to construct a border wall, defunding planned parenthood, and undermining the Affordable Care Act.
“What we passed is far better for the American people. We increased funding for the National Institutes of Health by $2 billion, so that vital medical research can continue. Democrats also fought to restore students’ access to year-round Pell Grants, secured funding to help stem the opioid epidemic, and secured $1.1 billion in disaster assistance for regions affected by storms and flooding, and we extended health insurance benefits for retiring mine workers. We also have more than $800 million going toward making our nation’s drinking water safe, and another $100 million going specifically to Flint, Michigan to upgrade their drinking water infrastructure. Another several million will go to our nation’s historically black colleges and universities.
“We will work to hold the Trump Administration accountable for upholding their end of the agreement – such as fulfilling their pledge to continue payments critical to the success of Affordable Care Act exchanges. I’m proud that members of Congress were able to come together to do what’s right and make meaningful progress for the American people.”
