Appropriations Committee Chairman Frelinghuysen Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution

Dec 20, 2018
Press Release

The United States House of Representatives today passed a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown and continue funding for critical federal programs and services through February 8, 2019.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen made the following statement on the passage of the legislation:

“As I have stated many times, a Continuing Resolution is a last resort when it comes to funding the federal government. But I do not support a government shutdown under any circumstances. This measure keeps our government open for six additional weeks to allow the House of Representatives, Senate, and White House additional time to reach an agreement on our remaining Appropriations work.

“In addition, this legislation fulfills our commitment to help Americans suffering in the wake of natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and typhoons. By providing funding and resources for critical recovery and relief programs, Congress is helping our fellow Americans get back on their feet. Lastly, this legislation reflects the House position on border security by providing $5 billion in funding for the construction of physical barriers at our borders.

“I now urge the Senate to pass this Continuing Resolution and prevent a government shutdown.”

The CR covers 25 percent of the federal government, and include funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Treasury, State, and Homeland Security, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the federal judiciary, and other related government programs.

In addition, it provides $5 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Procurement, Construction, and Improvements for the construction of physical barrier system at U.S. borders, available until September 30, 2023. It also provides $7.81 billion in additional supplemental appropriations for disaster relief to help communities across the country recover from devastating wildfires, hurricanes, volcano and earthquake damage, and typhoons. This funding will help offset agricultural losses, support programs to rebuild housing and infrastructure, and repair and replace damaged federal facilities and equipment.

The legislation continues all policy and funding provisions included in the current CR (H.J. Res. 143), which expires this Friday, December 21. The CR also includes a limited number of additional provisions needed to prevent catastrophic, irreversible, or detrimental changes to government programs, to support national security and public health, and to make technical adjustments.

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115th Congress