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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following statement after the House passed an Appropriations Package for Fiscal Year 2020 to fund the government through September 2020:

“The House passed funding for critical programs that help hard-working men and women across Michigan and nationwide. Most importantly, this package keeps the government open through the remainder of the fiscal year, through September 2020, so Congress can focus on delivering on kitchen table issues that matter to everyone. Every time I am at the airport and I see our TSA workers I am reminded of the importance of providing stable funding for the federal government so the men and women who keep us safe every day can have a holiday season without worrying about a government shutdown.

“Many of the provisions I fought hard for will be included in this bipartisan appropriations package. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Land and Water Conservation Fund are receiving the highest funding in 15 years. The full funding of these programs is critical to the environment, economy, and wildlife of the Great Lakes region we all know and love. In addition, continued investments in the Fisher House Foundation will assist veterans and military families have a warm, supportive place to stay when receiving care at VA facilities. I’m also pleased to see increased funding to combat the PFAS crisis.

“For the first time in more than 20 years, the CDC and NIH will receive $25 million for firearm injury and mortality prevention research. This type of research will help us better understand ways we can reverse the gun violence epidemic across the country. In addition, House Democrats secured billions to fund a fair, accurate 2020 Decennial census to ensure all Americans have a voice heard. House Democrats also secured $425 million to ensure your right to make your voice heard at the ballot box is protected from foreign interference.

“However, I must express my disappointment that the Butch Lewis Act was not included in the final legislation. The millions of Americans whose pensions are at risk after a lifetime of hard work do not deserve to wait any longer for assistance. We must get this critical legislation signed into law as soon as possible.

“Our values are judged by what programs our country funds to help hard-working men and women. This package was crafted by working in a bipartisan fashion and making thoughtful compromises to deliver on giving working families a fair shake, protecting the environment, and upholding our values as Americans.”

A summary of the National Security Appropriations minibus can be found here and a summary of the domestic priorities and international assistance minibus can be found here.