Lowey statement on FY2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement upon introduction of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018.
“I am pleased that this Omnibus Appropriations Act invests robustly in critical priorities like child care; transportation infrastructure; national security; election protection; medical research, opioid abuse prevention and treatment; veterans’ health services; and much more. These critical investments were made possible by Democrats standing strong against insufficient and partisan Appropriations bills throughout this budget and Appropriations process, and securing $117 billion more in non-defense discretionary funding than the President requested. They will pay dividends in job creation, economic growth, and critical support for American families and communities.
“I am also pleased Democrats stood strong to eliminate scores of divisive poison-pill riders targeting women’s health, clean air and water, worker rights, consumer financial protections, and much more.
“At the same time, I strongly object to the majority’s fixation on walling off our southern border and building capacity to arrest and detain immigrants. While the bill rejects the Administration’s request for tens of billions for a border wall, does not fund the President’s deportation force, and requires Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to reduce the number of detention beds currently in use, the amount provided is nonetheless a waste of money and contrary to our national character.”
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