Central ND News

The United States Senate passed H.R. 4366, a package of six Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills, with a vote of 75 to 22. The legislation, which had previously received broad support in the House of Representatives, aims to continue funding for various government agencies and programs, ultimately preventing a partial government shutdown.

Senator Cramer expressed satisfaction with the passage of the bill, acknowledging the challenges faced due to delays in the appropriations process. "This bill is consistent with Fiscal Responsibility Act spending caps, resulting in the first cut to non-defense, non-VA spending in a decade," stated Senator Cramer. He highlighted the bill's provisions that secure important conservative policy wins and benefit North Dakota.

The appropriations package covers funding for key agencies and programs across different sectors including military construction, veterans' affairs, agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration, commerce, justice, science, energy, water development, environment, transportation, housing, and urban development.

One of the significant aspects of the bill is the allocation of funds in various areas. For example, in the Energy and Water Development sector, there are increases in Army Corps funding, funding for the Bureau of Reclamation, and provisions for nuclear security administration. The bill also authorizes funding for the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, focusing on carbon capture projects and clean energy initiatives.

In the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies sector, the bill provides funding for Environmental Protection Agency programs, Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, and support for Native tourism initiatives through the NATIVE Act.

In the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development sector, allocations include funding for the Department of Transportation, Essential Air Service, Airport Improvement Program grants, and rural and Tribal infrastructure programs. The bill also prohibits the enforcement of mask mandates on certain transportation modes.

Within the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs sector, there are provisions for military construction projects, veterans' cemeteries construction grants, and support for veterans' healthcare and treatment programs.

The Commerce, Justice, Science sector sees funding for various initiatives including law enforcement efforts against human trafficking, support for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, and combating the fentanyl crisis.

In the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration sector, the bill covers a wide range of programs including farm support, broadband funding, agricultural research, conservation initiatives, and nutrition assistance.

The bill also includes notable healthcare provisions such as a boost in Medicare payments for physicians and extensions of funding for community health centers and diabetes programs.

The passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations minibus reflects bipartisan efforts to ensure the continued functioning of crucial government operations and programs.