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Bonamici Statement on Long-Term Government Funding Bill

March 22, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC [03/22/18] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a bill to fund the government through September:

"Although this bill is not perfect, it is an example of what can be accomplished when Democrats and Republicans work together. That's what my constituents in Oregon are asking Congress to do: set aside our differences, find common ground, and get things done.

"I'm pleased to see robust increases in funding for important programs that will help working families get ahead, strengthen public education, address the opioid crisis, grow our economy, and protect the environment. Increased support for child care programs and Head Start will help working families access affordable, high-quality child care. This bill completely rejects President Trump and Secretary DeVos' misguided education priorities, and instead provides strong support for several programs, including well-rounded education, career and technical education, apprenticeships, and teacher preparation programs. The two-year extension of Secure Rural Schools will strengthen public education in rural areas of our state and give more students the opportunity for success. Increases to Pell Grants will help more students afford college.

"After years of devastating wildfires, this funding bill finally puts an end to the practice of fire-borrowing. Now dollars that are intended for forest management will not be diverted to fight fires. Additionally, this bill provides critical funding to battle the opioid crisis, bolster our infrastructure investments, support the mission of the EPA and NOAA, improve earthquake warnings, and support our communities through increased funding for Community Development Block Grants. Oregon will be well-served by these investments, which will improve quality of life for many Oregonians.

"Importantly, this bill makes clear that the Centers for Disease Control can study gun violence as a public health issue. There is still more work to do to address gun violence, and this critical research can help us identify effective solutions.

"I remain deeply concerned that Congress has yet to provide protections for the millions of Dreamers who are living in fear and uncertainty after President Trump ended the DACA program. I am extremely disappointed that the DREAM Act was not included in this bill, and I will continue to push for Congress to pass legislation and provide certainty for the hardworking members of our community who know no other home. And although this bill makes needed investments in the care and services of our veterans, it continues to bloat defense spending beyond the actual needs of our military.

"The President and his out-of-touch Administration suggested slashing or eliminating many of the programs supported by this funding bill. I'm pleased that Congress rejected their proposals and instead listened to the people we represent to pass a long-term funding plan to keep the government open and support working families."