The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, a sweeping year-end omnibus and pandemic relief package approved by both chambers of Congress on Monday, includes several priorities important to Riverside County, Calif., announced U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA).
“The final funding agreement delivers important resources that will positively impact Riverside County and our entire state,” said Rep. Calvert.
For instance, H.R. 133, which heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law, “contains funding and provisions I requested for important flood control projects, including for the Prado Dam safety study and the Murrieta Creek flood control project,” said the congressman.
Additionally, the measure includes significant resources Rep. Calvert said he advocated for on behalf of essential clean air programs and additional investment in the earthquake early warning system. For instance, the bill contains appropriations language sought by Rep. Calvert that prioritizes EPA funding to repair failing septic systems, like those in Quail Valley, Calif., according to a bill summary provided by the lawmaker’s office.
“In my role as the ranking Republican on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I have fought to prioritize and fund programs essential to our continued military dominance,” the congressman said. “I believe this bill achieves that goal by funding key programs consistent with the National Defense Strategy and its focus on great power competition with China and Russia.”
Rep. Calvert also said he’s pleased that the bill continues to prioritize the health and welfare of the nation’s service members by providing a 3 percent pay raise for all military personnel effective Jan. 1, 2021.
And as co-chairman of the House ALS Caucus, Rep. Calvert applauded the inclusion of a doubling in federal funds from $20 million to $40 million in ALS research.