House Passes Bipartisan Appropriations Package Including Pappas Provisions and Top NH Priorities

Washington, D.C.- Today Congressman Chris Pappas voted for passage of two bipartisan appropriations bills that provide for critical government services and benefit New Hampshire families. The two legislative packages are comprised of 12 bills that will fund the government through fiscal year 2020, and they include several amendments offered by Congressman Pappas to expand care for female veterans, increase federal investments in combating the opioid epidemic, and strengthen our regional economy.

"Granite Staters sent me to Washington to make sure our government is working for them, and today I voted in favor of a bipartisan funding deal that reflects the priorities and values of our state," said Congressman Pappas. "This package will protect the well-being of our communities and includes several provisions I championed including the repeal of burdensome health care taxes, increased opioid crisis response funding for the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, and increased investments in the EPA to safeguard our water and hold polluters accountable. This legislation also expands upon my efforts to ensure all our veterans receive the care they have earned with the inclusion of an amendment I introduced that provides the VA with $10 million to build out care for female veterans."

"The package will also help propel the Granite States's economy forward with a $61 billion investment in our nation's infrastructure and $2 million in funding I helped secure for the Northern Border Regional Commission to support the development of our economy."

"I am proud to serve as an advocate for the priorities of the Granite State in Washington, and I hope the Senate will join the House to send this legislation to the President's desk," said Pappas.

Pappas championed provisions included in the FY2020 appropriations package:

• $10 million for women's health and mental health non-recurring maintenance (NRM) projects at the VA
• $2 million for comprehensive opioid abuse program grants
• $3 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission, bringing the total federal funding for FY 2020 to $25 million to support regional economic growth
• $550 million for USDA's Rural E-Connectivity program, which makes loans and grants for broadband deployment in rural communities, which remain critical in connecting New Hampshire communities.

Additional provisions included in final legislation:

• $61 billion in infrastructure investments to rebuild our nation while creating jobs and improving road safety
• $9 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure clean air and water and to hold polluters accountable
• $80 billion for VA medical care and efforts to combat veteran homelessness and suicide
• $425 million in election security grants to states
• $1.5 billion in state opioid response grants
• $25 million for federal research at the CDC and NIH into our nation's gun violence epidemic
• Repeal of the health insurance, Cadillac health plan, and medical device taxes