LaMalfa Statement on Long Term Budget Deal
February 9, 2018
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House and Senate agreed to a deal to lift budget caps on defense and domestic spending and fund the government until March 23, 2018. This legislation also includes emergency funding for disasters caused by hurricanes and wildfires.
LaMalfa said: "I'm very concerned by the government's reckless spending, but I'm not willing to allow a prolonged shutdown to occur. There are many provisions in this bill that are very worthy of our investment. At our recent retreat, Secretary Mattis conveyed the gravity of the funding crisis our military faces after eight years of neglect. I'm happy that our armed forces and national defense will now be properly funded for the first time in recent memory. We're also extending important health care programs, like Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Centers, which are critical to rural California. It's past time to get wildfire victims some assistance, and this legislation finally advances disaster relief funding that's been stuck in the Senate for months. Finally, this agreement paves the way for Congress to work on strengthening our southern border and addressing other pressing immigration concerns. I don't like the Senate's process and I don't like the price tag, but this bipartisan compromise is the best option available under these circumstances."
Highlights of the budget deal:
- Continuing Resolution until March 23, 2018 to keep the government funded and provide the necessary time for the FY18 Appropriations bills to conform with new discretionary totals.
- Reverses the defense sequester and increases total defense funding to match with FY18 NDAA levels and the Administration's request for FY19.
- Increases non-defense levels and targets funding for priorities like the National Institute of Health, combating the opioid epidemic, and infrastructure improvements.
- Advances emergency disaster relief funding that was previously approved by the House but stuck in the Senate – including funding for California wildfire recovery efforts.
- Provides an extension of the debt limit through 2018.
- Extends the Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Centers programs for 2 years.
- Repeals Obamacare's Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
###