Larson Votes for Ukraine Support and Government Funding
Statement
Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for H.R. 2471, an omnibus package consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills and supplemental funding to support Ukraine.
"I am proud to vote for today's funding package and applaud Chair DeLauro on her leadership to get this package across the finish line. This legislation will provide needed support to Ukraine by allotting $13.6 billion to help them fund their defensive efforts and respond to the humanitarian and refugee crisis caused by Putin's heinous attacks," said Larson. "This package is a strong investment in Connecticut's defense manufacturing ecosystem, including funding for 85 F-35's and $238 million for the East Hartford based Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, including a new $120 million investment for enhancements and modernization and $118 million for four F-35B spare engines. The F-35 program supports more than 6,000 jobs in the First District alone. It also fully funds the government and makes investments to create jobs, help working families, and support our most vulnerable."
"The Machinists in CT truly appreciate Congressman Larson's efforts securing $120 million for F135 modernization and $117 million for spare engines. Our members in Connecticut are essential in providing the power for this aircraft. Results like this help maintain good paying union jobs at both the aircraft manufacturer and our members at Pratt & Whitney," said Jeff Santini Assistant Directing Business Representative /Chief Negotiator District 26, IAM
A summary of the omnibus package can be found here.
The government funding legislation includes significant investments to:
Help Working Families With the Cost of Living: Reduces costs by expanding child care and early learning programs to more working families, investing in America's K-12 public schools, making college more affordable, expanding access to homeownership, and bringing the promise of rural broadband to more communities
Create American Jobs: Create good-paying American jobs, putting folks to work rebuilding our infrastructure, helping small businesses grow and thrive, fostering the green energy jobs of tomorrow, and supporting high-quality job training and apprenticeship programs so every American can contribute and succeed
Support the Vulnerable: Supports the vulnerable by meeting Americans basic needs, by strengthening nutrition assistance, funding more affordable housing, and cracking down on gender-based violence
The legislation also addresses some of our nation's biggest challenges:
Protects our National Security: Protects our national security with robust funding for defense, diplomacy and global development, a strong focus on cybersecurity, and investments in responsible border and maritime security that keeps us safe and respects the rights and dignity of migrants
Confronts the Climate Crisis: Confronts the existential threat of climate change through a renewed focus on environmental enforcement, pioneering funding for environmental justice, and historic investments in clean energy and climate science
Strengthens Public Health: Strengthens health care in America by rebuilding our public health infrastructure, investing in lifesaving biomedical research, and confronting urgent health crises, including maternal health, mental health, substance misuse, and gun violence.
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