House Passes Bill to Fund Government, Secure Border, Invest in America

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.J. Res. 31, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019, which will keep the government funded through September 30^th. The legislation will provide funding for 55 new miles of physical barrier along the southern border, significantly increase funding for the U.S. Forest Service to manage our federal lands, and provide $3.7 billion for rural development programs. The measure also increases the Federal Government's cost share for 2018 wildfires in California to 90%.

The bill passed the House by a margin of 300-128 after the Senate passed the legislation 83-16 earlier today. It will now be sent to the President's desk for signature.

LaMalfa said: "After a lengthy shutdown already this year, it was important for both sides to come together and reach an agreement to keep the government open. While I'd like to see more funds for increased border security, this bill provides a down payment for 55 miles of new physical barriers along the southern border, as well as new technology to combat human trafficking and narcotics. The President can now use the powers of the Executive to bring our border security to an acceptable level - greatly improving on the shortcomings of this bill. Critically for Northern California, there are increased funds allocated for the Forest Service to manage our federal forests and help prevent catastrophic wildfires. Additionally, FEMA will now reimburse 90% of the cost for wildfire recovery in 2018, including the Carr Fire and Camp Fire."

Highlights of H.J. Res. 31, courtesy of the House Appropriations Committee, can be found here.

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