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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) joined his colleagues in voting to pass a package of appropriations bills today that would support military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, water infrastructure, and energy among other priorities. The conference report to accompany H.R. 5895 passed with bipartisan support.
 
After passing the Senate yesterday, the legislation now heads to the President’s desk. Included in the bill is funding for VA medical care and military construction projects. $1.75 billion is appropriated to fund programs authorized in the recent VA MISSION Act, landmark legislation to improve care for America’s veterans.
 
The bill also maintains a Congressional pay freeze that has been in place since 2010. Under current law, Members of Congress receive a raise unless the specifically vote to freeze their own pay. Latta has authored legislation to put an end to the automatic pay increase.
 
“This bipartisan legislation will provide the necessary resources to implement the landmark VA MISSION Act – important legislation for veterans in Ohio and around the country,” said Latta. “The appropriations bill also expands Congressional Fellowships for the wounded veterans on Capitol Hill. At the same time, the bill keeps in place pay freezes for Members of Congress and maintains the 10% reduction for the House that has been in place for the last eight years. I supported this bill because it prioritizes our veterans, water infrastructure, and military, while once again stopping an automatic pay increase for Congress — a policy I’ve criticized for years.”
 
Included in the Conference Report
FY2019 Military Construction and VA Appropriations Bill
 
Appropriations to modernize the electronic health record system
Funding for mental health services, suicide prevention outreach, opioid abuse prevention, and rural veterans health initiatives
$1.75 billion to implement programs under the VA MISSION Act
Includes funding for deterrence operations and unique training requirements to counter challenges posed by Russia and threats from the Middle East and Africa
 
FY2019 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill
 
Maintains the 10% spending cut for Congress that has been in place since FY10
Continues the Member pay freeze that has been place since FY10
Provides funding to increase fellowships for wounded veterans in Congressional offices from 85 to 110
 
FY2019 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill
 
Supports a strong nuclear national security policy
Secures our nation’s energy infrastructure against cyber attacks
Invests in America’s water infrastructure
 
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