Archive | News RSS feed for this section

Meeting Announcement for H.J. Res. 123
The Committee will now convene on the following measure on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 3:00 PM in H-313 The Capitol:
H.J. Res. 123 — Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018

Please Note: This measure will be in addition to the previously scheduled measures (H.R. 477 and H.R. 3971).
Created: Dec 5, 2017

Chairman’s News

December 04,2017
Press Contact: 202-224-4515, Katie Niederee and Julia Lawless
Finance Committee Republicans Applaud Senate Passage of Historic Tax Reform
GOP Finance Committee Members Laud Passage of Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Tax Overhaul

The United States Senate last week passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a historic tax overhaul that provides tax relief for working families, levels the playing field for Main Street businesses, and makes America a more welcoming place to do business. Finance Committee Members have been hard at work on this legislation for months, crafting a tax plan that lifts Americans and grows the economy. Take a look at what they’re saying about the Senate’s passage of the proposal:

“Senate Republicans…came together to make history and advance a comprehensive tax overhaul that will deliver more income, more jobs, higher wages and more opportunity for all Americans. Rooted in pro-growth policies, this legislation will help families and individuals invest in their future, promote savings, and encourage American job creators to keep more jobs and investment here at home.” — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)

“The passage of this bill is a historic moment for Iowa and the entire country. It’s been more than 30 years since Congress passed significant tax reform. The good news is that this legislation will let Iowans keep more of their own hard-earned money, increase average wages and help create new jobs.” — U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)

“For the first time in over three decades, Congress has finally taken an imperative step forward in reforming our tax code to allow Idaho’s women and men the ability to keep more of their hard-earned money, while the bill’s dramatic simplification of the tax code will also save families significant time and money when it comes time to file their taxes each year.” — U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)

“We have proven that we can act decisively to grow our economy, help those living paycheck to paycheck, create better opportunities with job creation and bring jobs back from overseas.” — U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)

“This tax reform bill has been years in the making. After more than 70 hearings on taxes and an open legislative process, we have a bill before us that will bring relief to millions of Americans.” — U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.)

“[W]e’re another step closer to reforming the nation’s antiquated, complex tax code for the first time in more than three decades. I appreciate the support and hard work of my colleagues over the last few days, and soon we’ll vote to let hardworking folks keep more of their money and provide greater economic opportunity for all,” — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)

“By cutting taxes for middle-income Americans and providing job creators with the environment they need to hire more workers and increase wages, this tax reform package will turn the economic tide and help Americans get ahead. I commend Chairman Hatch and my colleagues for all the work they have done this year to ensure this bill made it over the finish line here in the Senate.” — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)

“This bill is an historic opportunity to reform a broken tax code that hasn’t worked for the people of this country in years. We have a responsibility to get our economy moving and put more money back in the pockets of the hard-working Americans who earned it in the first place.” — U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.)

“With this vote, we have demonstrated our commitment to providing stronger economic growth, increased wages and a higher standard of living for hardworking Americans and their families.” — U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.)

“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act gives families freedom to spend more of their money how they see fit, puts faith in American entrepreneurs and businesses to compete in the global market, and creates a fairer tax system that encourages jobs and investment in the United States…I want to commend Leader McConnell, Chairman Hatch, and all those involved in passing this historic bill through the Senate, and I’m looking forward to resolving our differences with the House. This is once-in-a-generation tax reform that will improve our economy and expand opportunity for all Americans.” — U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

“Our bill directly lowers the tax burden for middle income families and fundamentally restructures the business tax code so American workers and businesses can compete globally. It transforms one of the world’s worst business tax codes into one of the most competitive, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start new businesses and giving employers greater incentives to buy new capital equipment and bring operations home from overseas. I am confident these reforms will unleash a surge in economic growth and job creation.” — U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.)

“Think about this: doubling the child tax credit could mean enough money for a family of four to cover more than three months’ worth of groceries or purchase more than 9,000 diapers. The benefits of an enhanced child tax credit, however, extend beyond freeing up money for families to spend on day-to-day costs, it also allows them to better plan for their futures.” — U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.)

“[W]e are one step closer to starting the New Year off with a tax code that the American people both need and deserve. American families will get a better deal under tax reform. [Small Business] owners will have an easier time expanding and creating jobs. This is much needed reform!” — U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

“The Tax Cut and Jobs Act cuts taxes for working and middle-income families. It boosts the economy, repeals Obamacare’s individual mandate, preserves the Historic Tax Credit, gives tax relief to victims of the 2016 floods in North and South Louisiana and provides money to rebuild our coastline. This is a good bill for Louisiana and the United States.” — U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)

NEWS
House Appropriations Committee
Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen
Website address: http://appropriations.house.gov/
For Immediate Release: December 1, 2017
Contact: Jennifer Hing, (202) 226-7007

Chairman Frelinghuysen Introduces Resolution to Continue Government Operations and Prevent a Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen today introduced legislation to maintain current funding for federal operations and prevent a government shutdown. The Continuing Resolution (CR) is a stop-gap measure that will extend government funding until December 22, 2017. In absence of this legislation, existing funding would run out on December 8, 2017.

Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen made the following statement on the legislation:

“Continuing funding for federal operations is critical to our nation’s stability, our economy, and for the well-being of the American people. It is a necessary step to ensure the programs and services that all Americans rely on are maintained and available to all.

“It is absolutely vital that all 12 of the regular Appropriations bills be negotiated and signed into law. This CR will allow for additional time for a deal to be reached on top-line spending levels for this fiscal year. Once this agreement is made, my Committee will rapidly go to work with the Senate to complete the final legislation.”

11.28.17
Senate Budget Committee Reports FY 2018 Budget Reconciliation Legislation
WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States Senate Budget Committee, chaired by Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), today reported out the FY 2018 Budget Reconciliation legislation. Last month, the Senate passed a budget resolution that included reconciliation instructions to spur economic growth, and specifically instructed the Senate Finance Committee to come up with comprehensive tax reform and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to save $1 billion. Enzi noted that this legislation will help boost America’s economy, create more jobs, and leave more money in people’s paychecks. The bill now heads to the full senate for consideration. The House of Representatives approved a reconciliation bill earlier this month focused on tax reform.
“House and Senate passage of the budget resolution marked an important first step toward tax relief for American families and job-creators that will jumpstart economic growth,” said Chairman Enzi. “Today’s markup moves us one step closer to a simpler, fairer, and more transparent tax system. This bill will provide a needed makeover for our out-of-date tax code while advancing American energy security.”
Specifically, the legislation will reduce the tax burden on American job creators and modernize our outdated tax system. Tax reform will help put American companies on a level playing field with their foreign competitors in order to grow the economy and create more jobs at home. The bill also includes a more targeted provision focused on growing domestic jobs and economic investment through limited and responsible energy development in Alaska, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will raise nearly $1.1 billion over the 10-year budget window.

United States Senate Committee on APPROPRIATIONS

11.21.17
FY2018 Defense Appropriations Bill Released

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today released the FY2018 chairman’s recommendation and explanatory statement for the Department of Defense.

The recommendation provides $581.3 billion in base Department of Defense funding, $15.4 billion above the President’s budget request, and $64.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, roughly equal to the President’s budget request. In addition to these amounts, the Chairman’s recommendation includes $4.5 billion in emergency funding, as requested by the President, for Missile Defeat and Defense Enhancements.

“This proposal recommends funding for programs necessary to protect U.S. national security interests. However, we still require a budget agreement to establish a top-line funding level for national defense spending,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), who also chairs the Subcommittee on Defense.

“I am optimistic we will be able to write a final bill that supports a strong U.S. force structure and makes needed investments in readiness, shipbuilding programs, aircraft procurement, and missile defense,” he said.

Text of Draft FY2018 Defense Appropriations Bill: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY2018-Defense-Chairmans-Mark.pdf
Explanatory statement: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY2018-Defense-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

Bill Highlights:

U.S. Department of Defense – The FY2018 chairman’s recommendation provides $581.3 billion in base Department of Defense funding, $15.4 billion above the President’s budget request, and $64.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, roughly equal to the President’s budget request. In addition to these amounts, the chairman’s recommendation includes another $4.5 billion in emergency funding, as requested by the President, for Missile Defeat and Defense Enhancements.

Military Personnel and Pay – Fully funds an active duty end strength of 1,322,500 and a reserve component end strength of 816,900, an increase of 9,500, and funds a 2.4 percent pay raise for military personnel as authorized by the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. The Chairman’s recommendation adds $674 million to pay for increased end strength and $206 million to address the increase in military pay.

Readiness – $239.8 billion in base and OCO funding for operation and maintenance accounts to improve full spectrum warfighter readiness. The recommended funding level makes significant investments in training, maintenance, and modernization to restore near-term warfighting readiness while setting the conditions for future, sustained readiness. Within this amount, $2.5 billion is provided above the request to invest in facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization programs. The bill also includes an additional $3.9 billion available for transfer to the military services to improve military readiness, including increased training, depot maintenance, and base operations support.

Surface Force Incidents – $673 million is included to repair damage to and restore operational readiness of two Navy destroyers, the USS John S. McCain and the USS Fitzgerald. The bill also provides an additional $23 million to begin implementing the recommendations of the Comprehensive Review of Recent Surface Force Incidents.

DOD Unfunded Requirements – In addition to addressing requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act and other Committee initiatives, the chairman’s recommendation includes $17.7 billion to address items included on unfunded requirements lists submitted to Congress by the military services and combatant commanders.

Shipbuilding – $21.8 billion for Navy shipbuilding programs, $1.4 billion above the President’s request. In total, the bill funds the construction of 10 new ships: one aircraft carrier, two Virginia class submarines, two DDG-51 destroyers, two Littoral Combat Ships, one LXR/LPD amphibious warship, one Expeditionary Fast Transport ship, and one T-AGS oceanographic survey ship. The bill also fully funds advance procurement activities for Ohio class and Virginia class submarines. Other critical shipbuilding investments include an additional $175 million for the expansion of the submarine industrial base and $150 million to accelerate procurement of a Heavy Polar Icebreaker.

Missile Defense – $9.3 billion for missile defense, $1.4 billion above the President’s request. The recommendation also includes an increase of $1.1 billion for U.S. missile defense programs to accelerate missile defense capacity and capabilities in light of escalating threats from North Korea. Additionally, $706 million is provided for Israeli missile defense programs, an increase of $558 million, as requested by the Government of Israel.

Aircraft Procurement – The bill addresses several unfunded requirements across the services through the procurement of multiple air frames, including the following funding not requested in the President’s budget:
• $1.0 billion for four F-35 carrier variant and four F-35 vertical take-off Joint Strike Fighters (Navy & Marine Corps)
• $800 million for eight MC-130J aircraft (Special Operations Command)
• $739 million for 10 F-18 Super Hornet aircraft (Navy)
• $495 million for six V-22 helicopters (Marine Corps & Navy)
• $400 million for eight MH-60R helicopters (Navy)
• $343 million for four KC-130J tanker aircraft (Marine Corps)
• $309 million for nine AH-64E Apache helicopters (Army)
• $250 million for two CH-53K King Stallion helicopters (Marine Corps)
• $247 million for four CH-47G Chinook helicopters (Special Operations Command)
• $108 million for eight UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters (Army National Guard)
• $100 million for one HC-130J aircraft (Air Force)
• $90 million for 11 UH-72 Lakota helicopters (Army)
• $35 million for Compass Call modifications (Air Force)

The bill also provides an additional $120 million for Air Force F-35 advance procurement to increase planned procurements in FY2019, and an additional $750 million for Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aviation spares and repair parts to address maintenance and readiness issues.

Basic Research Investments – $2.3 billion, $30 million above the President’s request, for basic (non-medical) research for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Department of Defense.

Defense Health – $34.5 billion for the Defense Health Program, which provides medical services for military personnel and their families, continues advancements in medical research, and implements the next generation of electronic health records. This amount includes an additional $948 million for defense medical research efforts, including $300 million for the competitively awarded peer-reviewed medical research program and $240 million to advance Defense Department medical research priorities.

Munitions – $15.1 billion, $731 million above the President’s request, for the procurement of missiles and ammunition. Additional funds address unfunded requirements identified by the military services, industrial base capacity support, and munitions replenishment.

Space Launch – $398 million, $100 million above the budget request, for space launch vehicle and engine development activities.

National Guard and Reserve Equipment – $1.5 billion for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account to modernize our reserve forces and ensure full interoperability with the active duty force. The bill also includes $120 million for Army Guard and Reserve HMMWV Ambulances.
###
Related Files
FY2018-Defense-Chairmans-Mark.pdf
FY2018-Defense-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

United States Senate Committee on APPROPRIATIONS
11.20.17
FY2018 Financial Services & General Government Appropriations Bill Released

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today released the FY2018 chairmen’s recommendation and explanatory statement for the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill.

The recommendation totals $20.8 billion, $637 million below the FY2017 enacted level. The measure maintains funding to encourage small business growth, improve Internal Revenue Service accountability, and strengthen counterterrorism, cybersecurity and agency oversight.

“The programs and agencies included in this bill play an important role in promoting the American economy. This mark puts the Senate in a position to find consensus on policies and funding to improve their overall operation,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.). “I am grateful for the hard work Senator Capito and her subcommittee put into this measure.”

“In my first year as chair of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, I have worked to produce a funding measure that promotes fiscal responsibility and encourages government efficiency and innovation. This has been a careful and deliberative process, and I look forward to working with colleagues in the Senate and House to reach an agreement on funding priorities,” said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee. “Importantly, this bill promotes rural broadband expansion through the FCC and increases critical resources to combat the opioid epidemic through federal drug programs.”

Text of Draft FY2018 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/download/fy2018-fsgg-chairmens-mark
Explanatory statement: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/download/fy2018-fsgg-explanatory-statement

Bill Highlights:

Treasury Departmental Offices – $347 million for departmental offices within the U.S. Department of the Treasury, including $123 million for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, which combats terrorism financing and administers economic and trade sanctions through its Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – $11.1 billion for the IRS. This funding prioritizes measurable improvements to the level of customer service, identity theft protection, and enhanced cybersecurity to safeguard taxpayer data.

In addition, to ensure accountability and transparency, the bill includes:
• A prohibition on funds for bonuses or to rehire former employees unless employee conduct and tax compliance is given consideration;
• A prohibition on funds for the IRS to target groups for regulatory scrutiny based on their ideological beliefs;
• A prohibition on funds for the IRS to target individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights;
• A prohibition on funds for the production of inappropriate videos and conferences.

Executive Office of the President (EOP) – $717 million for EOP, which is $8 million above the FY2017 enacted level. The bill denies proposed cuts of $20 million to drug control efforts, including the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and Drug-Free Communities (DFC) programs. The bill instead increases HIDTA funding to $270 million to combat heroin and prescription opioid abuse and provides $99 million for the DFC program.

Judiciary – $7.0 billion for the federal judiciary, an increase of $260 million above the FY2017 enacted level. This will provide sufficient funding for federal court activities, including timely and efficient processing of federal cases, court security, and supervision of offenders and defendants.

Small Business Administration (SBA) – $886.3 million for the SBA to provide assistance to small businesses, expand the economy, and increase job growth for unemployed and underemployed Americans. The bill fully funds business loans at $156.2 million. It provides $186.5 million to fully fund disaster loan implementation costs in order to quickly and efficiently provide assistance to families and small businesses affected by natural disasters. The bill also funds several valuable programs, including $130 million for Small Business Development Centers, $12.3 million for veterans outreach programs, and $11.5 million for SCORE, formerly the Service Corps of Retired Executives.

General Services Administration (GSA) – The bill allows GSA to spend $7.8 billion out of the Federal Buildings Fund. This level will provide funding for rent payments for privately-owned office space leased by the government, and operations and maintenance costs for buildings owned by federal government agencies across the nation.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – $1.8 billion for the SEC, which is equal to the FY2018 budget request and includes $245 million for SEC’s potential headquarters relocation. The bill targets funding toward economic analysis within the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis and critical information technology initiatives.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) – $250 million for the CFTC, which is equal to the FY2017 enacted level.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – $306.3 million for the FTC, which is equal to the FY2018 budget request.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – $322 million for the FCC, which is equal to the FY2018 budget request.

District of Columbia – $704 million federal payment to the District of Columbia, which is equal to the request. Within this amount, the bill provides resources to public safety and security costs, and supports the District of Columbia Court system and offender supervision program.

Other Legislative Provisions – The legislation contains several policy provisions, including:
• A prohibition on funds for an increase in pay for the Vice President and other senior political appointees;
• A prohibition on funding for grants or contracts to tax cheats and companies with felony criminal convictions;
• A prohibition on the use of funds to paint portraits of federal employees, including the President, Vice President, Cabinet Members and Members of Congress; and
• A requirement that agency inspectors general have timely access to agency documents and records.
#

FY2018 Interior, Environment Appropriations Bill Released

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today released the FY2018 chairmen’s recommendation and explanatory statement for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

The recommendation totals $32.6 billion in discretionary funding, including $507 million in emergency firefighting funds. The measure provides increased funding to address National Park maintenance backlogs and environmental and conservation programs, while also increasing funding for wildland firefighting and restoring proposed cuts to important Indian programs.

“The effective management of the nation’s natural resources is important, as is the government’s commitment to native peoples. The chairmen’s mark establishes a Senate position for working with the House and the administration to reach an agreement to meet these priorities,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.). “I commend Senator Murkowski and her subcommittee for their diligent work on this bill.”

“I am proud of the work we have done in this bill to empower Americans to build our economy and create healthy communities for our families. This bill provides funding critical to ensuring the health, well-being, and safety of the American people,” said U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. “In this bill, we direct federal resources where they are needed by investing in programs aimed to protect our land and people, enable new infrastructure projects to boost the economy, and help communities provide vital, basic services. Most importantly, the investments we’re making today will have an impact on our nation for years to come.”

Text of Draft FY2018 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/download/fy2018-interior-chairmens-mark
Explanatory statement: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/download/fy2018-interior-explanatory-statement

Bill Highlights:

U.S. Department of the Interior – $12.17 billion overall for the Interior Department, including $465 million, for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – $1.23 billion for the BLM, a decrease of $16 million below the FY2017 enacted level. Funds provided ensure a robust and responsible energy and minerals program and make important investments in improving public land management.

National Park Service (NPS) – $2.94 billion for the NPS, an increase of $5.6 million above the FY2017 enacted level. This includes important increases for construction backlog, maintenance, and new park units. $20 million is included for the Centennial Challenge grant program which provides matching grants to address backlog maintenance and other needs in the national parks.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) – $1.48 billion for the FWS, which is $40.4 million below the FY2017 enacted level. Important program increases include funding for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). The bill also provides funds to support FWS implementation of the RESTORE Act and to maintain continued operation of fish hatcheries. The bill continues the prohibition on listing the sage-grouse as an endangered species, and includes a provision to allow the Service to move forward with its recommendation to delist the gray wolf the Great Lakes and to protect the decision to delist the gray wolf in Wyoming. A similar provision was included in FY2011 to delist wolves in Montana and Idaho.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – $1.08 billion for the USGS, equal to the FY2017 enacted level. Within this amount, important program increases have been included for energy and mineral resources, mapping, natural hazards, and water resources. The bill also provides the requested funds for the Landsat 9 project and facility relocation expenses.

Office of Surface Mining – $252.2million for the OSM, a decrease of $897,000 below the FY2017 enacted level. The bill continues a $105 million pilot program to help address reclamation and economic development in coal country and includes $10 million to address reclamation and economic development in Indian Country.

Indian Health Service (IHS) – $5.04 billion for the IHS, an increase of $1 million above the FY2017 enacted level. The bill fully funds Contract Support Costs, representing the full amount of contract support costs owed to tribes. Additional funds are focused on suicide prevention, domestic violence prevention, and alcohol and substance abuse problems. Funds are also included for infrastructure improvements to health care facilities.

Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education (BIA/BIE) – $2.86 billion for the BIA and BIE, an increase of $7.5 million above the FY2017 enacted level. Within this amount, Contract Support Costs are fully funded, human services and natural resource programs are continued, and important public safety and justice programs receive an increase. Construction activities and projects receive $206 million, a $14 million increase.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – $7.91 billion for EPA, $149.5 million below the FY2017 enacted level. Funding is focused on returning the agency to its core mission of environmental cleanup. The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds receive more than $2.26 billion, an increase over the FY2017 enacted level. Additionally, the Water Infrastructure Finance Act (WIFIA) program is funded at $30 million, which will enable hundreds of millions in loans to address water infrastructure challenges. Categorical grant programs that help states implement environmental regulations are increased by $25 million and the Superfund program receives a modest increase to help clean up additional sites.

The bill allows the EPA to move forward with its effort to define its authority under the Clean Water Act and continues a provision that prohibits the Agency from regulating certain types of ammunition and fishing tackle.

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – $5.8 billion for the USFS includes investments in funding for improved health and management of our nation’s forests. Additionally, the full 10-year average for wildfire suppression is included, as well increased funding for hazardous fuels reduction to help prevent catastrophic wildfires.

Wildland Firefighting – $3.6 billion to fight wildland fire, representing fire suppression funding at 100 percent of the 10-year average and emergency suppression funds made available in the event regular suppression funding is insufficient to cover the costs of fighting wildfire. Also included in bill language is a fire cap adjustment that would end the destructive practice of “fire borrowing” and make fire suppression expenditures above 100 percent of the 10-year average eligible for disaster assistance, along with forest management reforms designed to reduce this risk of wildfire and improve management of national forests.

Smithsonian Institution – $878 million, an increase of $15 million above the FY2017 enacted level for the Smithsonian Institution. Important increases have been provided for the National Air and Space Museum renovation.

National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities – $149 million for each Endowment, equal to the FY2017 enacted levels.

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) – $3 million, equal to the FY2017 enacted level, for the CEQ.

United States Senate Committee on APPROPRIATIONS
11.21.17
FY2018 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Released

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today released the FY2018 chairmen’s recommendation and explanatory statement for the Department of the Homeland Security.

The recommendation totals $51.6 billion in discretionary funding. The measure emphasizes border security, providing funding for physical barriers in targeted, high-traffic areas along the southern border. It also provides significant funding for immigration enforcement, aviation and maritime security, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and disaster response.

“Recent terrorist attacks within the United States demonstrate our need to be constantly vigilant against security threats. I hope this mark sets us on a course to provide the resources required by the Department of Homeland Security to protect the American people,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.). “I appreciate the hard work Senator Boozman and the subcommittee have put into this measure.”

“Keeping Americans safe is one of the federal government’s most important responsibilities and the investments in this bill uphold that obligation,” said U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. “This legislation will help enhance border security, provide relief from natural disasters, and help adapt to evolving threats against our country.”

Text of Draft FY2018 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY2018-Homeland-Security-Chairmans-Mark.pdf
Explanatory statement: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY2018-Homeland-Security-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

Bill Highlights:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection – $13.5 billion including an unprecedented funding increase of more than 10 percent over FY2017, for border security, including infrastructure, technology, and personnel. It fully funds the administration request for physical barriers in targeted, high-traffic areas along the southern border, while also continuing a requirement that the Department provide Congress with a comprehensive border security plan.
• Operations and Support – $11.4 billion for Operations and Support, which includes support of all staffing projected to be on board in FY2018, $100 million requested for 500 new Border Patrol agents, and funding requested for 97,184 flight hours.
• Procurement, Construction, and Improvements – $1.9 billion, of which $1.6 billion is for border barriers, technology, and tactical infrastructure. This funding includes $108 million for airframes and sensors and requires a report on border security costs and plans.

Immigration & Customs Enforcement – $6.7 billion to build on a record capacity for ICE to perform its missions. The bill recommends $230 million above FY2017, continuing the highest-ever level of capability to identify, apprehend, and detain undocumented immigrants.
• Operations and Support – $6.6 billion to enforce immigration and customs laws. The bill provides a $22 million increase to target transnational criminal organizations, and continues funding for new Mobile Criminal Alien teams, which identify and apprehend at-large criminal aliens.
• Procurement, Construction, and Improvements – $28 million to support improved tactical communications, information technology, and financial systems.

U.S. Coast Guard – $11.2 billion, including $7.3 billion to fully fund personnel and operations. The Coast Guard once again set a record in FY2017 by interdicting nearly 500,000 pounds of cocaine on the high seas, and the bill recommends continued investment in the Coast Guard capabilities that are enabling this success. The bill recommends $1.8 billion to continue a historic recapitalization of Coast Guard assets, including:
• $540 million for construction of National Security Cutter 10.
• $95 million for long lead time materials for National Security Cutter 11.
• $450 million for construction of Offshore Patrol Cutter 1.
• $50 million for long lead time materials for Offshore Patrol Cutter 2.
• $240 million for four Fast Response Cutters.
• $19 million to support Polar Icebreaker acquisition.
• $6 million to accelerate recapitalization of the Inland River Tender fleet

Federal Emergency Management Agency – In the wake of the devastating effects of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, the bill would fully fund the budget request for disaster response activities. It recommends $7.4 billion, as requested, for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). Should the bill become law, and when combined with recently-enacted supplemental appropriations, a total of $33.4 billion will have been appropriated to the DRF in response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
• Operations & Support – $1.0 billion for personnel, preparedness, mitigation, and urban search and rescue activities.
• Federal Assistance – $2.8 billion, including:
o $471 million for State Homeland Security Grants, including $55 million for Operation Stonegarden and $5 million for Non-profit Security Grants.
o $600 million for Urban Area Security Initiative grants, including $20 million for Non-profit Security Grants.
o $50 million for Port Security Grants.
o $60 million for Public Transportation Security Grants.
o $690 million for Fire and SAFER grants.
o $350 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants.
o $100 million for Emergency Food and Shelter.
o $75 million for Pre-disaster Mitigation grants.
o $178 million for RiskMAP.
• National Flood Insurance Program – The bill rejects the administration’s proposal to shift $50 million in costs to policyholders.
• Disaster Relief Fund – $7.4 billion.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – $4.7 billion, $50 million above the budget request, to maintain a robust aviation screening posture. It supports 1,090 more personnel than the budget request and maintains investments in technology and canine teams to allow for expedited screening and increased passenger processing. It also recommends important investments in screening technology to adapt to emerging threats.
• Operations and Support – $4.6 billion, including: $77 million above the request to continue TSA exit lane monitoring; $799 million for the Federal Air Marshal Service; $45 million above the request to maintain the Law Enforcement Reimbursement Program; $154 million for canines to increase passenger processing; and funding necessary to maintain the Screening Partnership Program at airports where private screening contracts are in place.
• Procurement, Construction, and Improvements – $53 million, including funding for screening equipment algorithm updates, new computed tomography units, and upgrades to explosive trace detectors.
• Research and Development – $20 million, including funding for testing of algorithms and computed tomography units.

United States Secret Service – $2.0 billion for the Secret Service to carry out its protection, financial, and investigation missions.
• Operations and Support – $1.9 billion, which would support all staffing projected to be on board in FY2018, and fully supports a plan to employ 7,600 personnel by FY2019. The bill also recommends $8.3 million for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
• Procurement, Construction, and Improvements – $64 million, including funding for White House and Presidential protection upgrades.

National Protection and Programs Directorate – $3.3 billion, $2 million above the budget request and $9 million above the FY2017 level, to accelerate cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. This funding will enhance cybersecurity capabilities across nearly every agency of the federal government while supporting cooperation with states, local governments, and the private sector.
• Operations & Support – $1.4 billion, including: $103 million to accelerate all phases of Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation, the primary federal civilian cybersecurity system; $211 million for the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center and Computer Emergency Readiness Teams; $294 million for the National Cybersecurity Protection System (NCPS) or “Einstein;” and $191 million for Infrastructure Protection.
• Procurement, Construction, and Improvements – $343 million
• Research and Development – $15 million

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – $132 million, including full funding for the E-Verify system.

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers – $213 million to fully support all anticipated federal law enforcement training needs.

Science & Technology – $720 million to support critical investments in the future of homeland security. The bill restores $93 million in research and development funding that the budget request sought to eliminate.
• Operations and Support – $266 million, including: $15 million to fully fund the startup of the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility.
• Research and Development – $454 million, including $37 million for University Programs to allow for 9 Centers of Excellence.

Domestic Nuclear Detection Office – $310 million, including $21 million to maintain Securing the Cities.

Office of Health Affairs – $113 million, including funding to support BioWatch, the Anthrax Vaccine Program, and food, agriculture, and veterinary preparedness.

Departmental Management, Operations, Intelligence and Oversight – $1.2 billion, including $175 million for the Office of Inspector General.

Notable Administrative and General Provisions
• Continues requirement that any contract award fees be tied to successful acquisition outcomes.
• Continues a provision prohibiting the collection of any new land border fees or the study of such fee.
• Continues requirements on issuance of Jones Act waivers for oil tankers carrying oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.
• Continues prohibition related to individuals detained at the Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
• Continues prohibition on award or incentive fees for contractors who do not meet performance requirements.
• Continues a prohibition of the transfer of an operable firearm by a Federal law enforcement officer to an agent of a drug cartel.
• Continues a provision limiting the cost of and number of employees allowed to attend international conferences.
• Continues a provision requiring that the Department make public any report that the Department determines would serve the national interest, except reports that would compromise security or that contain proprietary information.
• Continues a provision prohibiting funds from being used to develop and submit a budget that relies upon unauthorized fee proposals.
• Continues a provision prohibiting domestic prosecutions based on the Arms Trade Treaty.
• Rescinds dormant funds from various accounts across the Department.
• Includes a provision reducing administrative contracting expenses across the Department.
###
Related Files
FY2018-Homeland-Security-Chairmans-Mark.pdf
FY2018-Homeland-Security-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

PASSED: Historic Legislation to Overhaul Nation’s Tax Code for 1st Time in 31 Years
Home Run for Growth in Texas

Washington, November 16, 2017 | 0 comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House took historic action to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) – bold tax reform legislation that delivers major tax relief to Texans and all Americans. U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08) released the following statement:

“This is a historic moment for the American people,” said Congressman Brady. “Today we give hope to middle-income families and Main Street job creators in Texas and across the country that a brighter future is on the horizon – a future where you can keep more of what you earn, start that new business, find that next job, and get that long-overdue raise. This vote is a big step forward – but it is not the last step. We will continue to strengthen this legislation and, working with the Senate, we will put tax reform on President Trump’s desk by the end of the year for the first time in 31 years.”

What the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means…

For Texas:

Creates 74,037 news jobs.

Increases the annual income by $2,210 for median household of four.

In District Eight, the average four-person family will see a tax cut of $2,099.
(calculated from average median income: $92,113)
Strengthens Texas’ prominence as the nations leading exporting state by slashing the 35 percent corporate tax rate, the highest in the developed world, to 20 percent. Allowing Texas companies to reinvest back added profits into further modernization and job creation.

For All Americans:

Lowers individual tax rates for low-and middle-income Americans to Zero, 12%, 25%, and 35%. 39.6% for high-income Americans.

Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.

Eliminates special-interest tax breaks so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.

For Families:

Establishing a new Family Credit – which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.

Preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support.

Preserving the Adoption Tax Credit so parents continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and their homes to an adopted child.

Maintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves.

Streamlines higher education benefits to help families save for and better afford college tuition and other education expenses.

Continues the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization.

Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction for existing mortgages and maintains the home mortgage interest deduction for newly purchased homes up to $500,000 – providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners.

Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local property taxes up to $10,000.

Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.

Repeals the Alternative Minimum Tax so millions of individuals and families will no longer have to worry about calculating their taxes twice each year and paying the higher amount.

Repeals the Death Tax after seven years. Family-owned farms and businesses will no longer have to worry about double or triple taxation from Washington when they pass down their life’s work to the next generation.

For Businesses:

Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20%– down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world – the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation’s history.

Reduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25%– the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.

Provides a new, low tax rate of 9% for the first $75,000 of business income earned by owners of pass-through businesses of all types who earn less than $150,000, which will help the Main Street startups in every line of business that fuel innovation and job creation in communities across the country.

Establishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and pass-through business income so tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.

Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers – unleashing the growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks.

Protects the ability of small businesses to write off the interest on loans so that job creators can expand a business, hire workers, and increase paychecks.

Retains the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home.

Preserves the Research & Development Tax Credit– encouraging our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge “Made in America” products and services.

Strengthens accountability rules for tax-exempt organizations to ensure that churches, charities, foundations, and other organizations receiving tax-exempt status are focused on helping people and communities in need.

Modernizes our international tax system so America’s global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated “worldwide” tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nation’s job creators.

For Immediate Release:
November 17, 2017 Contact:
HASC Communications (202) 225-2539

STATEMENT BY THORNBERRY & MCCAIN ON BUDGET DEAL NEGOTIATIONS

Washington, D.C. ¬– Representative Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, released the following the statement today on negotiations for a budget deal to increase the defense spending caps:

“Large majorities on both sides of Congress have voted multiple times to support a $700 billion defense budget, including overwhelming, bipartisan votes in the House and Senate this week in support of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. In addition, the President himself has endorsed a defense budget at this level.

“Through the National Defense Authorization Act, we believe that Congress has done its due diligence to authorize the appropriate level of funding based on threats, requirements, and missions. This was done following months of deliberative bipartisan oversight, hearings, and negotiations. We expect that any budget agreement will reflect the hard work that Congress has just completed and the reality of today’s dangerous world. We cannot ignore the warnings of Secretary Mattis and our uniformed commanders. This era of forcing our troops to do more with less must come to end. We call on the negotiators to meet Congress’s constitutional obligation to give our troops the resources they need. We must not only set the conditions to pass an appropriations bill at the FY18 NDAA level, we must also ensure the necessary growth in FY19. Without that, President Trump’s promise to rebuild our military will be impossible.”