U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Steve Daines (R-MT) recently included key provisions in appropriations bills that were approved by the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Thursday.
Capito backed provisions in the fiscal year 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act and the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act.
“From battling the drug epidemic and combating domestic violence, to investing in infrastructure and research, these two appropriations bills contain funding for programs that are vital to West Virginia,” Capito, the chairwoman of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, said. “As we move through the appropriations process, I will continue working to ensure West Virginia’s voice is heard as our nation’s spending priorities are set.”
Capito led efforts to include $132 million in the CJS Appropriations Act to support law enforcement and treatment efforts in the fight against the nation’s heroin and opioid epidemic. She also led efforts to provide resources to curb domestic violence and support victims, and supported investments in the National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Capito led efforts to support innovative transportation projects in rural communities through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, and to provide resources to low-income communities through the Community Development Block Grant program in the THUD Appropriations Act.
Daines, meanwhile, included key provisions in the THUD Appropriations Act and the FAA reauthorization bill, which passed the Senate last week.
“Our transportation network from our roadways to our skies to our railways will be a safer form of travel for all Montanans,” Daines said. “This legislation puts Montanans first and addresses concerns from all corners of our state to increase tourism and encourage economic development projects that create more good-paying jobs.”
Daines led efforts to secure funding for rural airports through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, to enhance safety for general aviation operations in and near military operations, to support airport improvement grants, and to improve rail and highway safety.