Before departing for the holidays, one of my final votes in 2017 was to pass a short-term funding resolution to keep government programs and military activities fully funded through Jan. 19. I typically oppose these resolutions that keep the spigot of government funding flowing and allows agencies to follow their own path independent of proper congressional oversight. I voted for this short-term one, to provide the certainty of government operations through the holiday season, including:
- A temporary extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure states have the flexibility to administer the program through March 31, 2018;
- An additional $2.1 billion for the Veterans Choice Act funding to cover the upcoming shortfalls in the program; and,
- A delay of automatic (sequestration) cuts in both defense and non-defense funding.
The House passed our appropriations bills in September. The Senate has yet to take them up or approve versions of their own. My hope is that we will start 2018 with a real commitment to produce and more importantly actually pass – responsible funding packages that responsibly spend taxpayer dollars.
I also voted for legislation to provide additional funds to programs that support states following hurricanes and disasters. This bill will provide Floridians who are still recovering and rebuilding after Hurricane Irma with the support and assistance they need to get back on their feet.
Congressman Daniel Webster represents The Villages in the U.S. House of Representatives.
