Congressman Cleaver Votes In Support of Appropriations Bills
(Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two "minibus" appropriations bills, H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, to fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2020. Congressman Cleaver voted in favor of both appropriations bills, which passed with significant bipartisan support by a vote of 297-120 and 289-138, respectively.
"Although no bill is perfect, I'm proud to have supported these bipartisan funding measures that will prevent a government shutdown and are a clear win for the priorities of the American people," said Congressman Cleaver. "Through give-and-take from Democrats and Republicans, Congress was able to secure critical funding to protect our election systems, invest in public health, expand health care, strengthen America's infrastructure, fully fund the 2020 Census, honor our responsibilities to veterans, and support rural communities. Whether it's more than $61 billion for infrastructure investments, $25 million for federal research into the gun violence epidemic, or $640 million to develop more rural broadband, there are victories for American communities across the nation, including the Fifth District of Missouri."
Provisions Congressman Cleaver wanted to highlight include:
Preventing Gun Violence
• For the first time in more than 20 years, a total of $25 million at CDC & NIH for firearm injury and mortality prevention research
Expanding Access to Housing
• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - $3.4 billion, a $100 million increase above FY19
• HOME Program - $1.35 billion, a $100 million increase above FY19
Supporting Children & Families
• Child Care & Development Block Grant - $5.8 billion, $550 million over FY19 and a record level
• Head Start - $10.6 billion, $550 million over FY19 and a record level
Bolstering Lifesaving Medical Research
• National Institute of Health - $41.7 billion, a $2.6 billion increase and a record level, with significant funding for Alzheimer's Disease and brain research
Protecting Our Environment
• Environmental Protection Agency - $9 billion, a $208 million increase above FY19
• Energy Efficiency and Renewables - $2.8 billion, a $411 million increase above FY19
• Land and Water Conservation Fund - $495 million, $57 million above FY19 and highest level since 2004 Increases
Federal Civilian Pay
• Provides a 3.1% pay raise for federal civilian employees for calendar year 2020
World War I Centennial Commission
• Allows $7 million for expenses of the Commission to remain available until Sept. 30, 2021, plus in-kind services, contractual support from other agencies
Fully Funds the 2020 Census
• With $7.6 billion to ensure a thorough and accurate count
Combating the Opioid Crisis
• State Opioid Response Grants - $1.5 billion, continuing the historic investment initiated in FY18
Protects Nutrition Assistance Program Funding
• $67.886 billion in mandatory spending for SNAP
• $23.615 billion in mandatory spending for Free and Reduced School Lunches
Invests in Better Schools and Job Training
• Increase of $1.2 billion for K-12 education and record level funding for the disadvantaged at $17 billion
• Job Training - $5.4 billion, a $134 million increase
Helps Americans Prepare for Retirement
• Allows older workers and retirees to continue to contribute more to their retirement accounts and increases 401(k) coverage for part-time employees.
• Makes it easier for smaller employers to band together to offer retirement plans to their workers
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.
