WASHINGTON. D.C. (July 27, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the Make America Secure Appropriations Act. This legislation provides funds for important defense, veterans, and energy-related programs. It also provides resources to strengthen and educate Capitol Police and reinforce their service keeping Members of Congress safe.

“This bill is about keeping people in Eastern Washington, and all across America, safe at home and abroad,” said McMorris Rodgers. “The Make America Secure Appropriations Act prioritizes funds to ensure the United States is properly equipped to deal with security threats, honors our commitment to our nation’s veterans, and invests in our nuclear and energy security.”

Of Importance to Eastern Washington:

Military Construction and VA Appropriations Bill:

• Supports the VA Secretary’s new authority to fire or demote poorly performing employees and to recoup pay, benefits, and awards in case of malfeasance.

Department of Defense Appropriations Bill:

• Fully funds the 2.4% pay raise for the troops, including those at Fairchild AFB.

• Includes funding for 15 KC-46A tankers. By providing this funding, we ensure that the process of manufacturing KC-46A’s stays on track and that Fairchild will still be on track to receive the additional squadron of KC-135 tankers.

• Provides funding for the Secretary of Defense to enter into intergovernmental agreements to provide health screenings in communities where PFOS/PFOA was previously used.

• Provides funds for the purpose of remediating PFOS/PFOA drinking water contamination and outreach and engagement with local communities impacted.

Energy and Water Appropriations Bill:

• Includes important funding for nuclear security, including legislation to assist with Hanford cleanup and opening Yucca mountain as the nuclear repository.

• Includes language to require the administration to pick 5 new start studies to help with flood control/navigation.

• Includes language to help the Army Corps undertake important operations for our inland waterways, which is crucial for navigation and trade in Eastern Washington.

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