Rogers Votes for the Make America Secure Appropriations Act

Statement

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2018 (FY18) Make America Secure Appropriations Act,H.R. 3219, to advance national security, enhance care for our veterans, provide critical infrastructure funding and maintain fiscal discipline. Additionally, the bill protects the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) from proposed elimination and fully funds a 2.4% pay raise for troops, the largest increase in eight years.

"This legislation will ensure that we as the Congress uphold our most sacred responsibility - to provide for our nation's common defense. As promised to the American people, we are rebuilding and modernizing our military as an international powerhouse by better equipping our troops, strengthening counter-terrorism effforts and reestablishing confidence with our allies," said Rogers, Chairman of House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. "Under the previous administration, our Department of Defense faced needless uncertainty. I am proud that we are now turning the tide - providing our troops and their commanders with the necessary resources to respond to threats from countries like Russia, China and Iran, as well as crush the violent extremists who wish to do us harm."

The legislation combines four of the federal funding bills for FY18 already approved by the House Appropriations Committee, including: Defense; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Legislative Branch; and Energy and Water. The bill also includes $1.6 billion to secure our Southern border, meeting the full White House request.

The House Appropriations Committee passed all 12 federal funding bills after holding 74 oversight and budget hearings and listening to more than 400 witnesses to ensure they addressed the needs of the American people.

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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