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Washington, DC– Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today released the following statement after voting for the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 244), which funds the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2017.

“This bill prioritizes conservative principles and fulfills President Trump’s promise to rebuild our military and strengthen national security. Our top priority must be to keep our country safe and this bill provides for the largest increase in security spending in many years. The bill reverses the harmful effects of sequestration, and with more funding for the military, including the largest pay raise for our troops in six years. Further, the bill helps those fighting opioid addiction and supports our veterans, along with providing a permanent solution for the health care needs of retired mine workers.” 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, increases defense spending by $25 billion and provides $12.2 billion in funding for more security along our borders, a significant increase from prior years and a down payment on further needs. It limits Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overreach by eliminating all funding for certain climate programs that had vastly expanded the agency’s power, and it also gives more control to state and local school districts. The bill provides additional resources in our fight to overcome the opioid addiction epidemic, a permanent fix for miners who were about to lose their health care coverage, and an increase in funding for veterans programs that provide job training and care for the homeless.

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