Rutherford Applauds Passage of Government Funding Package

Washington, D.C. – Tonight, the House of Representatives passed the conference report to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019, fully funding the government until October 1, 2019. Included in this legislation is $100 million for grants authorized by the STOP School Violence Act, a bill introduced by Rutherford and signed into law last spring.

"The House Appropriations Committee has worked hard to include a number of national priorities in this compromise funding bill to maintain government operations," said Congressman Rutherford. "While it is far from perfect, it bolsters our border security by adding money for new barriers, more border agents, and increases to 58,000 the number of beds available to detain those entering the country illegally.

"It also provides significant resources for our infrastructure, economic development, and public safety, including $100 million in grants to keep our schools safe. As we solemnly remember the 17 victims of the Parkland tragedy one year ago today, I am proud to say that the STOP School Violence Act has now made $175 million available to schools across the country for violence prevention initiatives.

"Though we are taking an important step forward today, we must continue to fight for solutions to stem the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border. We have no greater responsibility than the safety and security of our country and its citizens, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to keep Americans safe."

Notable provisions in the spending package include:

• Funding for 1,200 new Customs and Border Protection officers
• Includes $300 million for port infrastructure development, including $100 million set aside for high-volume seaports, such as JAXPORT
• Makes significant investments in the Coast Guard, including the first new Icebreaker in 40 years
• Provides a $21.5 million dollar increase in DOJ to combat opioid trafficking and grant resources
• Boosts special supplemental nutrition programs for women, infants, and children by $100 million
• Adds funding to combat citrus greening, which is vital to Florida's citrus growers