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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined colleagues in the House to adopt, by a vote of 316 to 113, the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the government for 2016.

“This comprehensive funding bill isn’t perfect, but it represents a bipartisan compromise that has many victories for America’s working families.  

“It provides critical funding increases, including a $2 billion increase in funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health and up to $2 billion in funding to tear down blighted buildings, which is important for many Michigan communities. It includes a three year reauthorization and funding increase for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, our nation’s most vital conservation program which benefits literally every county in America; it includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; permanent health care funding for 9/11 first responders; and a two-year delay of the ‘Cadillac’ tax on health plans, which matters to the working men and women of my district. In addition, I’d like to thank Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey of the Appropriations Committee for including a measure I have championed to allow the President to award the Medal of Honor to Vietnam veteran Charles Kettles, a resident of Ypsilanti.  

“There are flaws with this bill as well. I have concerns about lifting the longstanding ban on U.S. oil exports, which could result in higher gas prices in the United States. I am hopeful that the extension of the wind and solar tax credits will help counteract this by having a positive impact on our environment and energy independence while creating good paying jobs. We should have also used this legislation to address the economic crisis in Puerto Rico, and I trust the Speaker’s word that it will be addressed next year. I also continue to have serious concerns about the discriminatory changes being made to the visa waiver program, and will continue working to ensure we do not target anyone based on nationality or religion in this country.    

“This bill is a true compromise, and for me compromise is not a dirty word. It isn’t perfect, but it avoids a government shutdown while providing for much needed investments in critical programs which will help improve the lives of many working families in Southeast Michigan and the nation, and therefore, it is worthy of our support.”