02.14.19

Senate Approves Package to Secure Border and Complete FY2019 Appropriations Process

Legislation Includes $22.54 Billion for Border Security, Remaining Seven Funding Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today applauded the Senate’s passage of H.J. Res. 31, the fourth and final Fiscal Year 2019 (FY2019) appropriations package that contains a bipartisan agreement on border security and completes government funding for the current fiscal year.  The comprehensive funding bill provides $22.54 billion in total border security funding, including $1.375 billion for 55 new miles of physical barriers in the most needed areas along the southwest border.  Chairman Shelby issued the following statement upon the passage of the measure in the Senate:

 

“I am pleased that the Senate has worked together to advance this comprehensive agreement to protect our border and fund the remaining appropriations bills.  The legislation makes a substantial down payment on the border wall and ensures our law enforcement officials have the resources they need to keep the American people safe.  I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have worked to make this possible, including my good friend, Vice Chairman Leahy.  Our bipartisan efforts have been essential in securing the passage of this bill and completing the FY19 appropriations process.  It is my hope that we will all continue to work together as we turn to the FY20 appropriations bills.”

 

The appropriations package was approved by a vote of 83 – 16.  The funding measure contains FY2019 appropriations bills for Homeland Security; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.  Upon passage in the House later today, the legislation will go to the President desk for his signature prior to the funding deadline of Friday, February 15.