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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) voted to pass a package of three appropriations bills this morning to fund military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, water infrastructure, and energy among other priorities. In addition, the legislation, H.R. 5895, included provisions long-supported by Latta. For instance, the bill 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.

"These appropriations bills speak to the priorities of this Republican-led House of Representatives," said Latta. "More resources for programs that serve our veterans, no salary increases for Members of Congress. Additionally, we prioritize American security by investing in the cyber defense of our electric grid, an issue that urgently needs to be addressed. The bill also repeals Obama's burdensome Waters of the U.S. rule that threatened to force landowners, farmers, and small businesses to attempt to obtain Federal permits for puddles, ponds, or ditches on their property. The House once again is leading the way by fully debating and passing appropriations bills, and the Senate should follow our lead so that we can fix our broken budgetary process."

Included in H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act:

FY 2019 Energy and Water Appropriations

·         Repeals the Waters of the U.S. rule

·         Supports a strong nuclear national security strategy

·         Investment in water infrastructure including projects and studies to advance American competitiveness on our waterways and at our ports

FY 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations

·         Increases funding for the VA by $3.9 billion (4.8%) - now at the largest dollar amount ever spent on the VA

·         Dedicated funding for mental health, opioid abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and rural veterans health initiatives

·         Resources dedicated to modernize the VA's electronic health record system

·         Funding and resources to resolve claims for more than 450,000 veterans

·         Increased oversight of VA management

·         Prohibits transfer of Guantanamo detainees from transfer to the U.S.

FY 2019 Legislative Branch Appropriations

·         Continues Member of Congress pay freeze in place since FY 2010

·         Maintains continued 10% spending cut for Congress

·         Directs money to be spent on safety and security at the U.S. Capitol

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