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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on House passage of the FY2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

“Over the last six months, we have been asked to vote on five short-term continuing resolutions that simply kicked the can down the road and failed to provide certainty to families and businesses. We received the final text of the Omnibus less than 24 hours before being asked to vote on it today to avoid a government shutdown. We must stop governing by crisis.

“Having said that, deciding how to vote on this legislation was ultimately difficult. The omnibus is far from perfect, but it secures funding for critical priorities that keep our nation safe and competitive and our families strong. Particularly important for Michigan are investments in child care, opioid treatment and prevention, medical and scientific research, infrastructure, the environment, veterans’ health care, and many others.

“Significantly, the bill also includes full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which President Trump proposed virtually eliminating. The GLRI is the single most important program for keeping the Great Lakes clean and fighting invasive species, and I will continue working with my colleagues – Democrats and Republicans – to protect it. I’m also pleased that the bill includes a provision to support automated vehicle proving grounds like the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, which provides a safe testing environment for the vehicles of the future.”

“While I strongly disagree with the process by which this legislation was brought to the floor, it is ultimately good for Michigan and I support it. I will always consider legislation through this lens and will continue to push for thoughtful, transparent debate on issues that matter to the American people – and long-term budgets that provide needed certainty.”