Cochran Statement on Senate Passage of the FY2017 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement praising the Senate’s passage of the FY2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill (HR.2028):
“I’m pleased that the Senate approved this important legislation. It makes smart, targeted investments in our national security readiness, our energy stability, and our waterways and flood control infrastructure,” Cochran said. “Protecting the public and the economic benefits of our harbors and waterways is important, and this bill addresses these challenges in a responsible manner.
“I commend Senator Alexander, as well as Senator Feinstein, for their leadership and bipartisanship as we work to advance appropriations bills in the Senate.”
The $37.5 billion measure will fund U.S. Department of Energy programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. Overall, it provides $355 million more than the FY2016 enacted level and $261 million above the President’s budget request.
The legislation, which is the first FY2017 appropriations bill passed by the Senate, was approved with a 90 to 8 vote. The bill’s passage marks the earliest that the Senate has approved a stand-alone appropriations measure in more than 40 years.
###
Next Article Previous Article