DeLauro Statement on Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023

Statement

House Committee on Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) released the following statement on the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which continues vital federal funding through December 16, 2022, and provides Congress time to enact an omnibus. The continuing resolution also provides disaster relief to help communities across the country facing the consequences of climate change and crumbling infrastructure, and it supports the Ukrainian people facing Russia's continued assault.

"We have an obligation to enact transformative spending bills that help lower the cost of living, support working families, create American jobs, and combat climate change," Chair DeLauro said. "This continuing resolution keeps the government open and gives us the time we need to complete the critical work of ensuring our 2023 bills do just that. The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, also includes funding to help communities across the United States recover from floods, wildfires, and hurricanes--natural disasters that are becoming more frequent and extreme as the climate crisis worsens. Additionally, with Russia holding fake elections to annex parts of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people urgently need our support to continue protecting their families and defending global democracy."

"This continuing resolution reflects bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and, most importantly, it affords Congress time to complete its work on fiscal year 2023. While the bill provides a bridge to the omnibus, it is not perfect. I am saddened the continuing resolution does not fully rise to meet some of our country's most urgent needs, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox outbreak," Chair DeLauro continued. "I will continue working to provide the resources to combat these ongoing public health crises and support areas that need additional resources to recover from natural disasters. I am also extremely disappointed that controversial permitting reform is attached and not being considered separately. Despite these shortcomings, the continuing resolution still provides resources critical to our communities and national security. And with just four days before the end of the fiscal year, it keeps the government open. I urge my colleagues in both chambers to act quickly to pass this legislation."

Divisions A and B of the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023:

Extend funding for vital federal agencies, including education, health, housing, and public safety programs, through December 16. This continued funding grows opportunity through early childhood education, invests in our schools and high-quality job training programs, provides critical nutrition assistance and affordable housing opportunities, secures our nation, and supports our veterans.
Invest an additional $1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help address pressure on low-income households' pocketbooks due to inflation; $2.5 billion to help New Mexico communities recover from the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, the largest wildfire in the state's history; $2 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to aid the long-term housing, infrastructure and economic recovery needs of communities impacted by disasters in 2021 and 2022; and, $20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi. This funding will help families and small businesses get back on their feet and rebuild from natural disasters while repairing damage to critical infrastructure.
Include language that allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to obligate up to the full year amount available under the continuing resolution for the Disaster Relief Fund if needed to respond to declared disasters such as Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and a severe storm, flooding, and landslides in Alaska.
Provide $12.35 billion in assistance related to Ukraine, including training, equipment, weapons, logistics support, and direct financial support for the government of Ukraine.

In addition, the legislation carries authorizing divisions related to the Food and Drug Administration and other authorizing extensions.

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