Washington – Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-1) released the following statement today after voting in favor of H.R. 244, a bill that will fund government operations through the end of the current fiscal year:
“When it comes to government spending, we’re facing some difficult decisions,” Bergman said. “We have to find ways to adequately support our national defense, border security, education, and health care priorities without mortgaging our future.
“This piece of legislation makes progress in some areas. I supported it because I believe it addresses issues that folks in the First District are facing. It maintains full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, for instance, and at my urging, directs the Army Corps of Engineers to release the Brandon Road Study and provide quarterly updates about steps being taken to prevent further spread of the Asian Carp. It plusses up funding for Alzheimer’s and other research through the National Institute of Health and provides an additional $650 million to address the growing opioid and heroin epidemic.
“That said, we are teetering on the edge of fiscal collapse. As I said, this piece of legislation moves us in the right direction, but our FY 18 Budget has to include real, conservative reforms that reflect our fiscal reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Budget Committee to make sure that happens.”
Among other things, the government funding bill:
- Strengthens our borders by providing the biggest increase in funding for border security in nearly a decade.
- Provides funding for training and equipment to keep our military men and women safe on and off the battlefield.
- Includes the most significant pay raise for our troops in six years.
- Promotes regulatory reform and takes steps to streamline the bureaucracy.
- Prevents a taxpayer-funded bailout for insurance companies through the risk corridor program.
- Reaffirms the Hyde Amendment and prohibits federal funding for abortion.
- Fully funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).
- Recognizes and takes steps to address Michigan’s invasive species issue.
Representative Bergman Represents Michigan’s First District in the House of Representatives. He serves on the Budget and Natural Resources Committees and as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
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