Congress to Pass Funding Bill, Keeping open Critical Public Health and Environmental Agencies

The Senate and House are expected to pass a spending package today that will avoid another government shutdown and fund the federal government through the remaining fiscal year.

“The spending package that is expected to pass through Congress today is, above all else, a win for American families and communities. The bill will avert a government shutdown, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of people will earn paychecks and that agencies critical to protecting the environment and public health will remain open.

“It is particularly heartening to see that Congress has once again soundly rejected the Trump administration’s proposed budget that sought to strip billions from EPA, DOI, and other agencies, and, in doing so, made clear that America’s health, environment, and safety should never be put on the chopping block.”

Among the other important agencies that saw at least level funding were FEMA, USDA, and NOAA. FEMA, in particular, saw $12.6 billion directed to its Disaster Relief Fund and the bill includes strong support for state and local first responders—key provisions as our country experiences intensifying storms and disasters linked to climate change.

“Still, it is an appropriate time to bring renewed attention to EPA’s broadly insufficient funding. Pollution continues to impact millions of Americans each year, causing asthma, heart disease, early deaths and more. All the while, our climate crisis grows more serious. Looking ahead, EPA—and similar environmental and public health agencies—must be prioritized in our government’s spending decisions so that Americans can breathe easier and feel confident that the government is doing all it can to protect our air, water, and climate.”

• Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs