Wittman applauds Congress’ ontime passage of 12 appropriations bills

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), who represents part of Prince William County, released this statement after his vote in favor of H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act:

“We have done it. For the first time since 2009 the House has passed all 12 appropriations bills through regular order. With over 340 amendments from both Republicans and Democrats, we had a robust debate on each section. From everything to protecting our borders, to research funding, to national defense, this bill makes major strides towards a better working government. Instead of a deal made behind closed doors, this process allowed the American people to have a voice on how they want their hard-earned tax dollars spent. As I have long advocated to complete our spending bills on time, I hope this sets a new precedent for how we consider all future appropriations legislation.”

The Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act includes all 12 appropriations bills for FY 2018. The $1.2 trillion spending package included eight new bills, in addition to the four previously passed security appropriations bills that advanced through the House in July. Altogether, the package appropriates $621.5 billion for defense spending, $511 billion for nondefense discretionary spending, and $87 billion in Overseas Contingency Operation (OCO) funding.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, chairing the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.