Rogers: Omnibus Targets Funding to Important Programs, Continues Downward Trend in Federal Spending

Jan 13, 2014

Press Release

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers today unveiled the fiscal year 2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill, the legislation that will provide discretionary funding for the entire federal government for the fiscal year.

“The Omnibus will fulfill the basic duty of Congress; it provides funding for every aspect of the federal government, from our national defense, to our transportation systems, to the education of our kids,” Chairman Rogers said. “The bill reflects careful decisions to realign the nation’s funding priorities and target precious tax dollars to important programs where they are needed the most. At the same time, the legislation will continue the downward trend in federal spending to put our nation on a sustainable fiscal path.”

The Omnibus contains all 12 regular appropriations bills for fiscal year 2014, with no area of the government functioning under a Continuing Resolution. This allows every program to be weighed individually and prioritized, with funding targeted to the most important and effective programs while lower-priority programs are reduced.

“My committee worked closely with our colleagues in the Senate to find common ground. This bill is a compromise, but it reflects Republican priorities and holds the line on spending in many critical areas,” Chairman Rogers continued.

Bill Highlights –

Funding Level – The bill abides by all the terms set by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (the “Ryan-Murray Agreement”), providing a total of $1.012 trillion for the operation of the federal government, and meeting the $520.5 billion defense and $491.7 billion non-defense budget caps.
Military Pension “Fix” – The legislation amends the Ryan-Murray Agreement to exempt medically retired personnel and survivor benefit plan recipients from having their cost-of-living benefits temporarily reduced. This will ensure disabled veterans and surviving families receive the full benefits they are due.
ObamaCare – The bill provides no new funding for ObamaCare, and holds the line on funding for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – the prime agency responsible for the implementation of ObamaCare. In addition, the bill rolls back ObamaCare funding in other areas, including reducing the Prevention and Public Health Fund by $1 billion to prevent the Secretary of Health and Human Services from raiding these funds for ObamaCare exchanges.
Life – The Omnibus maintains all existing pro-life policy and funding provisions that have been carried in Appropriations legislation in previous years, including the Hyde Amendment, a ban on public funding for abortions in the District of Columbia, and a ban on abortion funding for federal prisoners. The bill also reduces Title X family planning funding by $10 million.
National Security – The Omnibus contains the fiscal year 2014 Defense Appropriations bill, providing funding for our nation’s security, military readiness, and resources for our troops at home and abroad. The bill will fund important Department of Defense programs and projects, a pay raise for our troops, and the advancement of our military operations to protect the nation from current and future threats
Policy Provisions – Many policy provisions are included in the Omnibus, including:
- A ban on the Administration’s onerous “light bulb” standard;
- Provisions to protect Second Amendment rights;
- A provision to ensure Yucca Mountain maintains its viability for future use;
- Bans and limitations on federal agency conferences, travel, and awards;
- A provision prohibiting funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to change the definition of “fill material,” which could have harmful effects on many U.S. industries;
- Provisions to stop the transfer or release of Guantanamo detainees into the U.S.; and
- A restriction on the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) from implementing regulations harmful to the livestock and poultry industry.

Savings and Oversight of Tax Dollars – The bill includes program cuts and oversight provisions to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Some of these items include:
- No funding for High Speed Rail;
- Extensive reporting requirements for the IRS;
- No funding for three new DHS headquarters buildings;
- Oversight and monitoring requirements to weed out waste and abuse in nutrition programs;
- No funding for contributions for the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);
- A pay freeze for the Vice President and senior political appointees;
- No funding for the Administration’s Preschool Development Grants and Race to the Top College Affordability proposals; and
- No funding for the International Monetary Fund.