Wasserman Schultz on Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) was pleased that critical national and South Florida investments are contained in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018, and in voting for it, she applauded the Democratss’ effort to defeat of numerous attacks on environmental, worker and women’s health rights that Republicans sought to include in the $1.3 trillion spending plan.

“This Omnibus is far from perfect, but it makes strong investments in veterans’ health care, infrastructure, medical research, national security, child care and many other critical funding priorities,” Wasserman Schultz said. “It also makes vital investments benefitting all Floridians, including level funding for Everglades’ restoration, as well as funds for shore and crop protections and hurricane restoration efforts.”

“This spending plan not only stops the wasteful, senseless temporary funding measures Republicans have come to rely upon, but it repudiates the atrocious and cruel budget that President Trump asked Congress to support,” she said. “Democrats stood strong, and America’s children, seniors and middle class will be healthier, safer and stronger because of it.”

Wasserman Schultz was especially pleased to secure passage and funding for many of her key legislative priorities:

• Holocaust Survivor’s Assistance – $5 million, up from $2.5 million in Fiscal Year 2017.
• PALS Act – Moratorium remains on guidelines that limits mammograms for female veterans’ and women’s private insurance.
• Rape Survivor Child Custody Act – level funding of $1.5 million.
• Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants – $416 million
• Urban Area Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program – $50 million, or $25 million more than FY 2017.
• EARLY Act – Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women funding – $5 million.
• PARC Act – Alleviates VA center parking shortages in Miami and around the country.
• Internet Crimes Against Children task forces to combat online child exploitation – at least $29 million, with $1 million dedicated to the hiring and training of wounded veterans to serve as digital forensic analysts or investigators.

Wasserman Schultz offered special thanks for the dedicated hard work and professionalism of her House Appropriations Committee colleagues and staff, including Ranking Member Nita Lowey, Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Charlie Dent.