Rep. Chu Statement on Omnibus Spending Bill

Today, the House voted 316-113 to pass a $1.1 trillion bill to fund the government through 2016. The omnibus spending bill provides appropriations for all government agencies at the higher levels agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement that replaced much of the Sequester and includes health coverage for 9/11 first responders, a two-year delay of the ACA “Cadillac Tax”, funding for environmental programs, and more. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), who voted for the omnibus, released the following statement:

“After long bipartisan negotiations, I am glad that we were able to do the right thing for our constituents and country and vote to keep the government open without the destructive and partisan policy riders that some wanted. The Production Tax Credit and the Solar Investment Tax Credit will help us move towards the clean energy commitments necessary to slow global warming. And the three year extension of Land and Water Conservation Fund will help ensure our stewardship of our environment. For California, this bill will mean an additional $1.2 billion in funding for Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund projects and $100 million for western drought response – double the amount in last year’s bill. And I am particularly excited that the final omnibus included language from my bill, the CREED Act, that will extend the Small Business Administration’s successful 504 loan refinancing program, allowing thousands of small business owners to free up more capital for growth and hiring.

“I am deeply disappointed that this package includes a provision to lift the crude oil export ban, a policy I strongly oppose and voted against this year. But while this bill was not perfect, it offers much needed assurance that we can keep our government functioning while also supporting a number of priorities that will help families, economy, and our environment. I applaud our leadership for their work and hope to continue this bipartisan cooperation in the year ahead.”

The FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed both the House and Senate chambers on December 18, 2015, and now awaits the President’s signature.