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Kaptur Applauds House Passage of Four Appropriations Bills, Secures Wins For Northern Ohio Communities

July 24, 2020

Legislation includes millions to restore the Great Lakes, improve VA’s delivery of healthcare to veterans, strengthen food security, and support American global leadership

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed an appropriations package that includes the following four appropriations bills: State-Foreign Operations, Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA, Interior-Environment, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.

The legislation includes provisions that will serve and improve the lives of those who call Northern Ohio home, including $335 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, more than $35 million for the elimination of harmful algal blooms, more than $13 million for Asian Carp control, all of which will reduce invasive species, and protect our Great Lakes for generations to come. During debate on the bill, Rep. Kaptur submitted the following statement for the record in support of the legislation:

Madam Speaker,

I applaud Chairwoman Lowey in her resolve to accomplish Congress' top Constitutional priority assuring the operation of the government of the United States and in record speed this year, despite a global pandemic.

Today's bold Appropriation minibus, which includes State and Foreign Operations, Agriculture and Rural Development, Interior and Environment, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, reflects historic investments to meet the needs of the American people and strengthen our national resolve during an unprecedented period in American history.

Here are a handful of provisions that make this bill strong.

The bill prioritizes U.S. national security interests, including at liberty's edge in Central and Eastern Europe. It takes valuable steps to combat Russian aggression, it demonstrates our unwavering support for liberty in Ukraine, funds diplomatic exchanges between the U.S. and Poland, and protects Radio Free Europe's longstanding editorial independence.

Then with acute food insecurity exposed in the pandemic, this bill advances sustainable agriculture in this era of climate change. It provides much needed support to hungry Americans, while supporting a return to an idea cultivated by the Greatest Generation, Victory Gardens so every American family can reconnect with the power of earth to sustain life.

As a lifelong resident of Toledo, Ohio, the distress from which our beloved Lake Erie and all the Great Lakes have struggle as a result of harmful algal blooms and invasive species like Grass Carp is a daily concern. For the last decade, we've lived with putrid green algae floating atop Lake Erie's Western Basin and tributaries, causing environmental, economic, and public health crises in the process. That's why I've fought to increase federal funding for projects like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which will receive $335 million in this bill and other fresh water sources.

This bill says thank you to America's veterans, from general healthcare and mental health services, to suicide prevention and homeless assistance. This legislation makes historic investments to improve the delivery of care, with extra focus on women veterans. It also, underscores the importance of the VA's workforce and makes recruitment and retention a top priority.

These examples are but a few of the worthy causes included in this effort that make America even greater.

Madam Speaker, this legislative package demonstrates the good a unified Congress can achieve when we work together, even during a pandemic where much of our work has been carried out remotely. I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey for her remarkable leadership throughout this process, as well as each of the subcommittee chairs for their dutiful work getting this legislation across the finish line. I urge strong bipartisan support.

I yield back.

Bill Summary:

FY 2021 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

The Funding in the Bill

  • The bill provides $36.76 billion in regular appropriations, which is $771 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and $5.11 billion above the President's request. Additionally, this bill includes $15 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations for investments in critical infrastructure and $2.35 billion provided under the fire suppression cap adjustment.

Department of the Interior

  • The bill provides $13.83 billion (non-LWCF) in discretionary funding for the Interior Department – $304 million more than the current level and $1.8 billion above the President's budget request.

National Park Service

  • $3.22 billion (non-LWCF) is provided for the NPS, an increase of $55 million above the current enacted level and $449 million more than the President's budget request.
  • This includes $136 million for the Historic Preservation Fund for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, Save America's Treasure grants, civil rights site preservation grants and funds for HBCUs – $96 million above the President's request.
  • It also includes funding to support 1,200 new staff at National Parks across the country.

Bureau of Land Management

  • Provides $1.3 billion (non-LWCF) in discretionary funding for the Bureau of Land Management, $28 million below the FY 2020 enacted level and $107 million above the President's request.
  • Within this amount is $72 million for sage-grouse conservation and $49 million for the National Landscape Conservation System.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

  • Provides $1.6 billion (non-LWCF) for USFWS – $201 million more than the President's request and $37 million above the current enacted level.
  • State and Tribal Wildlife Grants are funded at $78 million – $11 million more than the FY 2020 level and more than $47 million above the President's request.

Environmental Protection Agency

  • Provides $9.38 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency, which is $318 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and more than $2.67 billion above the President's budget request.
  • Funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative at $335 million
  • Clean Water and Safe Drinking State Revolving Funds are funded at $2.76 billion – equal to the current enacted level and $782 million above the President's request.
  • More than $189 million is set aside for targeted grants for drinking water contaminants like lead, nitrates and other health hazards – an increase of $36 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and $86 million more than the request.
  • Supports scientific and regulatory work on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with $12.9 million in additional funding to establish drinking water and cleanup standards.
  • Superfund site cleanups are funded at $1.22 billion – an increase of $37 million over the current level and $143 million more than the request.
  • Provides $15 million for Environmental Justice activities, an increase of $4.8 million, or 47 percent, above the 2020 enacted level more than five times above the President's budget request.
  • Provides $13 billion in additional emergency funds for EPA infrastructure grants including an additional $10.2 billion for Clean Water and Safe Drinking State Revolving Funds; $1 billion for Superfund site remediation; $950 million for led pipe replacement, sewer overflow control, and other water infrastructure investments for small and disadvantaged communities; $350 million for Brownfields grants; and $450 million for Diesel Emissions Reduction (DERA) grants.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

  • Given the expected enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act following the House's passage of the bill this week, this bill does not contain discretionary funding but rather provides allocations for the estimated $900 million which will be made available in FY 2021.
  • The LWCF has strong bipartisan support. It has protected conservation and recreation land in every state and supported tens of thousands of state and local projects.

Wildfire Disaster Funding

  • This bill provides $5.73 billion for wildland fire management funding – which includes $2.35 billion in cap adjusted fire suppression funding. The total funding is $174.13 million more than the FY 2020 enacted level and $35.45 million below the President's budget request.

Tribal Programs

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education: $3.5 billion, an increase of $562 million above President Trump's budget request and $188 million above the FY 2020 enacted level.
  • Indian Health Service: Provides $6.5 billion for the Indian Health Service, an increase of $445 million above the current level and $199 million more than the President's request. This package also provides an additional $1.5 billion in infrastructure investments to the Indian Health Service to construct health care facilities.

National Endowment for the Arts & National Endowment for the Humanities

  • Provides $170 million each for the NEA and NEH – an increase of $7.75 million above the current enacted level and rejecting the President's request to eliminate these institutions.

FY 2021 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

Overview

  • Rejecting the Trump Administration's numerous proposed cuts, this legislation promotes American values and diplomatic priorities, maintains our strength and influence in the world, and protects our national security.

The Funding in the Bill

  • The legislation provides $65.87 billion in discretionary funding, which includes $10.02 billion in emergency funding for coronavirus preparedness, response, and relief globally; $47.85 billion in base discretionary funding for the State Department, USAID, commissions, and related agencies; and $8.0 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding. The total is $8.47 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level and $21.16 billion above the President's request.

Confronting the Coronavirus Pandemic

  • Provides $10.018 billion in emergency funding for coronavirus preparedness, response, and relief globally.
    • Within this amount, provides $2.5 billion for Global Health, of which $750 million is for the GAVI Global Vaccine Alliance and $800 million is for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Support for Strategic Partners and Allies

  • Provides a total of $35.86 billion for bilateral economic assistance, health and development assistance, democracy programs, and security assistance to provide stability in volatile regions and enhance our presence in critical and strategic areas.
    • Israel: Providing $3.3 billion to Israel, fulfilling our MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).
    • Jordan: Providing $1.52 billion to Jordan, fulfilling our MOU.
    • Egypt: Providing $1.4 billion to Egypt, with governance and human rights conditions and reporting requirements.
    • Strong support for bilateral economic and security assistance for Ukraine, Georgia, and Tunisia.
    • Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia: Providing $770.3 million to Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia.
    • Central America: Directing that not less than $519.9 million be made available for the countries of Central America, including not less than $420.8 million for Northern Triangle countries, and amends permissive language included in the FY 2020 legislation to require that the Administration meet the assistance directive for Central America.
    • Caribbean Basin Regional Security Initiative: Providing not less than $74.8 million for this initiative.
    • Columbia: Providing $457.2 million to Columbia, including not less than $36 million for the rule of law and human rights activities.
    • Global Health: Providing $2.64 billion for programs to improve maternal and child health and fight infectious diseases – an increase of $4 million above FY 2020 and $719 million above the President's request.
      • Restores funding for the World Health Organization, which President Trump has threatened to cut off.
    • Also provides $225 million under the Economic Support Fund for humanitarian and development programs in the West Bank and Gaza to help address the needs of the Palestinian people.

Humanitarian Assistance

  • Provides $7.83 billion for humanitarian assistance under the accounts Migration & Refugees Assistance (MRA), U.S. Emergency Refugee & Migration Assistance (ERMA), and International Disaster Assistance (IDA) – equal to FY 2020 and $1.56 billion above the President's request.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

  • Provides $1.68 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the USAID Office of Inspector General, an increase of $15 million above FY 2020.

Combating Climate Change

  • Provides $500 million in current and prior year funding for a contribution or grant to an international fund to assist developing nations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pursuing adaptation and mitigation policies.
  • In addition, the bill provides $177 million for adaptation programs, $179 million for renewable energy programs, and $135 million for sustainable landscapes.

Supporting Reproductive Health and Family Planning

  • Provides $750 million for bilateral family planning, an increase of $175 million above FY 2020 and $513 million above the President's request.
  • Provides $55.5 million for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) an increase of $23 million above FY 2020 and $55.5 million above the President's request.
  • Includes the Global HER Act, which permanently repeals the Global Gag Rule, reinstated by President Trump in January 2017.
  • Includes a prohibition on current and prior funds from being used to implement the Mexico City Policy.

Promoting Equality for LGBTI People and People with Disabilities

  • Provides $10 million for the Global Equality Fund – an increase of $2.5 million above FY 2020.
  • Provides $6 million for the Protection of LGBTI Persons, under USAID – an increase of $1 million above FY 2020.
  • Provides $500,000 for the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons – an increase of $250,000 above FY 2020.
  • Provides $15.5 million for disability rights – an increase of $3.5 million above FY 2020.

President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

  • Provides $5.93 billion for PEPFAR, including $1.56 billion for the Global Fund – equal to the FY 2020 level and $2.1 billion above the President's request.

The Middle East Partnership for Peace Act of 2020

  • Authorizes $50 million a year for five fiscal years to establish a People-to-People Partnership for Peace Fund under USAID and a Joint Investment for Peace Initiative under the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, which will provide investments in people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation, respectively, between Israelis and Palestinians with the goal of supporting a negotiated and sustainable two-state solution.

FY 2021 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies

The Funding in the Bill

  • The bill provides $23.98 billion in discretionary funding – an increase of $487 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and $4.1 billion more than the President's request.

Rural Development and Infrastructure

  • This bill provides $4.214 billion for Rural Development initiatives to help create an environment for economic growth by providing business and housing opportunities and building sustainable rural infrastructure for the modern economy.
    • Rural Water and Waste: $1.45 billion in rural water and waste program loans and more than $610 million in water and waste grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems and sanitary waste disposal systems.
    • Broadband: Invests over $1.025 billion for the expansion of broadband service to ensure rural communities have access to digital tools necessary to improve health, educational and economic outcomes – an increase of $435 million above the FY 2020 enacted level. This funding includes $990 million for the USDA's Broadband ReConnect program.
    • Rural Housing Loans & Rental Assistance: $24 billion in loan authority for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, $1 billion in direct single family housing loans benefitting low-income rural families and $1.45 billion in rental assistance for affordable rental housing for low-income families and elderly Americans in rural communities.

Food and Nutrition Programs

  • SNAP – $68.277 billion in mandatory spending – including $3 billion for the SNAP reserve fund – which will fully fund the program through 2021.
  • WIC – $5.75 billion in discretionary funding for WIC – $298 million above the President's request.
  • Child nutrition programs – $25.131 billion in mandatory funding – an increase of $1.516 billion over the current enacted level. This includes funding for free and reduced price school lunch and snacks, Summer Food Service for low income children to continue to receive meal assistance when school is out for the summer, the Summer EBT program, and school kitchen equipment grants. This bill also includes language urging the Secretary of Agriculture to extend critical, nationwide waivers to ensure it is as easy as possible to continue to feed children through the 2020-2021 school year despite the pandemic.
  • International programs– $1.775 billion for the Food for Peace program and $235 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Both of these programs work to reduce famine and increase food security around the world.

Agricultural Research

  • The bill provides $3.3 billion in funding to support agricultural research, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to help mitigate and stop devastating crop diseases, improve food safety and water quality, increase production and combat microbial resistance.

Farm & Conservation Initiatives

  • The bill includes $1.835 billion for farm, conservation and emergency loan programs that benefit farmers and rural communities – $30.3 million above the FY 2020 enacted level.

FDA

  • The bill includes $3.212 billion in discretionary funding for the FDA, an increase of $40.8 million above the FY 2020 enacted level. Total funding for the FDA for FY 2021 is $5.99 billion and includes revenue from pharmaceutical, medical device and tobacco user fees.
  • Included in this title are targeted increases for medical product and food safety initiatives, blood supply safety, continued efforts to advance generic drug reviews and increase medical product manufacturing in the United States.
  • The bill also includes $70 million to accelerate medical product development as authorized in the 21st Century Cures Act.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

  • The bill provides $1.088 billion for FSIS – $33.2 million above the current enacted level. This funding will maintain nearly 8,800 frontline inspection personnel for meat, poultry and egg products at more than 6,400 facilities across the country.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

  • Includes $304 million for the CFTC – equal to the President's FY 2021 request.

Other Key Policy Provisions in the Bill

  • Blocks the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents final rule (ABAWD) and the Standard Utility Allowance rule (SUA) proposed rule.
  • Blocks USDA from granting line-speed waivers at meat processing facilities during the public health emergency.
  • Provides FDA, for the first time, with mandatory recall authority for prescription and OTC drugs.
  • Directs the FDA to develop a plan to identify, detain, and refuse the import of FDA-regulated products from a foreign establishment that did not allow physical access to FDA investigators.
  • Encourages the use of Victory Gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FY 2021 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

The Funding in the Bill

  • The bill provides $115.5 billion in total discretionary funding for FY 2021 which is an increase of $5.1 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level.
  • The bill includes $350 million for Overseas Contingency Operations and $12.5 billion in emergency appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the sharply rising cost of providing health care to our nation's veterans.

Military Construction

  • Includes $10.4 billion for military construction of new projects, construction improvements, planning and design and host nation support - $1.5 billion below the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $2.3 billion above the President's budget request. Within this total, $350 million is included for Overseas Contingency Operations construction in support of the European Deterrence Initiative to deter Russian aggression and support our allies.

Reserve Components

  • Provides $596 million in funding for construction and alteration of Guard and Reserve facilities in states and territories which is $45 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and $28 million more than the President's budget request.

Family Housing Construction

  • $1.49 billion is provided for military family housing. Within this amount, Family Housing Support and Management is funded at $135 million to address critical issues such as mold, vermin and lead in military housing.

NATO Security Investment Program (NSIP)

  • Includes $173 million for infrastructure necessary for wartime, crisis, peace support and deterrence, and training requirements.

Base Realignment and Closure

  • Provides $581 million for Base Realignment and Closures – $182 million above the current enacted level and $280 million higher than the President's budget request. Included in this amount is $200 million in funding for the remediation of Perfluorooctane Sulfanate and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFAS) contamination.

Veterans Affairs

  • This bill provides $104.8 billion in discretionary funding for VA programs – $12.3 billion more than the current enacted level.
  • Continues to advance appropriations for VA medical programs by including $94.2 billion in discretionary funding for FY 2022.

VA Medical Services

  • This division provides $90 billion for VA medical care – an increase of $9.8 billion above the current enacted level and equal to the President's budget request. Within this total:
    • $10.3 billion for mental health care services
    • $1.9 billion for homelessness assistance initiatives
    • $661 million for gender-specific care services for women
    • $504 million for opioid abuse recovery and prevention
    • $300 million for rural VA health initiatives
    • $313 million for suicide prevention outreach

Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM)

  • Provides $2.6 billion to continue implementation of the VA EHRM designed to be interoperable with the system being developed for the Department of Defense – an increase of $1.1 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level. This will ensure that Veterans' medical data will be able to be transferred between the VA, DOD and the private sector.

Veterans Benefits Administration Disability Claims Backlog

  • Supports the Veterans Benefits Administration by providing $3.2 billion for operating expenses to ensure the prompt processing of disability claims.

Construction

  • Provides $1.8 billion for major and minor construction projects – $139 million above the current funding level. Within this amount, $1.4 billion is for Major Construction and $400 million is for Minor Construction.


Medical and Prosthetic Research

  • Provides $840 million for Medical and Prosthetic Research – an increase of $40 million over the current enacted level and $53 million above the President's budget request.

kaptur.house.gov