WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 13, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the conference report to the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, legislation which funds one-fourth of the government and provides the highest level of discretionary funding for veterans ever.  

“People in Eastern Washington rightfully expect results, and that’s exactly what we set out to deliver in the Better Way Agenda two years ago. To ensure the red carpet is rolled out for our veterans, this bill provides for the largest dollar amount for the VA in history and funds important programs to ensure veterans receive the care and treatment they need. It also strengthens our national security, supports better infrastructure for our military, and invests in our nuclear technology. For a safer and stronger America, these are the solutions we promised to deliver. As a result, people are Better Off Now.

“This marks the first time since 2007 that both Houses of Congress will send multiple appropriations measures to the president’s desk on time. In doing so, I’m pleased that the People’s House took an important step today in meeting one of our most basic duties– to exercise our ‘power of the purse’ responsibly and on schedule. To build trust with the American people, this work must continue.”

NOTE: This bill includes $98.1 billion to provide care for our veterans and fund the necessary housing, training, and resources for our military and their families. This is the largest ever discretionary funding level for our veterans. 

This bill also included language stating that the ongoing increased spill at the Columbia and Snake River dams is not based in science and will threaten the reliability of the federal power system. This language states that increased gas levels will likely harm fish while costing ratepayers an estimated $40 million. The original Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and McMorris Rodgers amendment would have stopped the additional spill entirely. This was one of three bipartisan proposals to assist salmon recovery and BPA’s increasing costs on the Columbia River this Congress. Each proposal is currently in the Senate.

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