U.S. House Passes Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans have muscled a $1.1 trillion bill financing government agencies through the House after President Barack Obama phoned Democratic lawmakers and urged them to back the measure.

The House approved the measure late Thursday by 219-206.

The compromise bill keeps agencies funded through next September.

Many conservatives opposed it because it did not block Obama’s recent executive actions on immigration. A large majority of House Democrats opposed it because of provisions easing some restrictions on banks and allowing higher political contributions by big donors.

Obama backed the bill and called wavering Democratic lawmakers to persuade them to help it pass.

The bill must now be approved by the Democratic-run Senate.

Funding for federal agencies was expiring at midnight. Lawmakers were ready to pass short-term legislation keeping government doors open.

***Press from Congressman Alan Nunnelee***

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 (Omnibus). H.R. 83 abides by the Ryan-Murray budget agreement and funds 11 of the 12 regular Appropriations bills through September 30, 2015. The bill funds the Department of Homeland Security under a Continuing Resolution (CR) until February 27, 2015. Congressman Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, released a statement following passage:

“I have been committed to changing the conversation in Washington from ‘how much can we spend and expand government’ to ‘how much can we cut and reduce government.’ My vote today is a reflection of that commitment. By spending taxpayer dollars wisely, while also cutting funding, Congress is completing the most basic function of government by providing funding for the current fiscal year.

“In addition to spending reforms, the legislation provides for the common defense of our nation. If we are not able to defend ourselves, then anything else that we do is inconsequential. From Dodd-Frank regulations to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Clean Water Act to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Omnibus Appropriations bill stops harmful government regulations and policy. Today, I voted to put decision-making back in the hands of the legislative branch, not bureaucrats.

“I understand the frustration that this bill is not perfect. However, making funding decisions on 11 of the 12 appropriations bills today allows Congress to focus solely on holding the president accountable for his illegal actions on immigration. More importantly, making these decisions now allows the current Congress to complete their legislative business, paving the way for continued focus on what is most important: improving our economy and allowing job creation at home in North Mississippi.”

Highlights of the FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill:

Mississippi Highway 78

· Allows vehicles traveling with a harvest permit on Mississippi Highway 78 to continue to do so once it becomes Interstate 22.

ObamaCare

No new funding for ObamaCare
Prohibits funds for ObamaCare risk corridors
Cuts funding for the Independent Payment Advisory Board by $10 million
National Security and Veterans Affairs (VA)

Prioritizes funding to maintain military readiness both at home and abroad
Provides funding for needed resources for ongoing military operations
Fully funds the 1% pay raise for the troops
Increases funding above the president’s request for military health activities
Provides funding for processing VA disability claims to end the backlogs
Rescinds $41 million in performance bonuses at the VA
Pro-life Provisions

Maintains all existing pro-life provisions, including the Hyde amendment banning federal dollars from paying for abortions
Bans public funding for abortions in the District of Columbia, within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan, and federal prisons
Three new pro-life provisions:
Requires ObamaCare plans to inform customers if they provide abortion-related services
Requires the Office of Civil Rights to respond to claims of violations of conscience protections
Provides states increased access to abstinence education funding
Policy Changes, Savings, and Oversight

Slashes Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding for the fifth consecutive year
Reduces EPA staffing levels to the lowest since 1989
· Cuts Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding to below FY 2008 levels

· Prohibits the IRS targeting of organizations based on their ideological beliefs or for exercising their First Amendment rights

· Protects Second Amendment rights, including prohibitions related to the import and export of certain firearms

· Prohibits regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Prohibits the transfer or release of Guantanamo Bay detainees into the U.S; prohibits construction or acquisition of a prison in the U.S. to house such detainees
· No funding for the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

· No funding for the UN Arms Trade Treaty

Text of FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Legislation and accompanying report

Bill-by-Bill Summaries of FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Legislation

Congressman Alan Nunnelee represents Mississippi’s First Congressional District. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Budget Committee. This is his second term.