Senate Committee Advances All 12 FY2019 Appropriations Bills
Today’s Action Includes Largest Increase in Pentagon Budget in 15 Years
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that the committee has approved all 12 fiscal year 2019 appropriations bills with strong, bipartisan support in advance of the July 4th recess. The committee has operated under an aggressive schedule since Shelby became chairman in April, generating momentum for a return to regular order and stability in the annual budget process. This marks the most punctual timeframe in which the committee has completed its regular appropriations bills since 1988. Today the committee approved fiscal year 2019 budgets for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Defense – including the largest increase for the Pentagon in 15 years.
“The Senate Appropriations Committee has completed its work on the 2019 bills in a deliberate and timely manner with strong bipartisan support across the board. I believe we can all agree that, regardless of political party, this reinvigorated and transparent process reflects the will of the American people. Our return to regular order has been facilitated by a commitment to reject poison pill riders and authorizing provisions. I thank Vice Chairman Leahy for his steadfast support,” said Chairman Shelby.
“Having passed three of our funding bills in the Senate this week, it appears the machinery of regular order is beginning to turn. However, we would be wise to remain mindful that our work is not complete until all of the bills are signed into law. I look forward to working with leadership and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring more bills to the floor, delivering on our Constitutional responsibility and commitment to the American people.”
The Senate FY2019 appropriations bills were overwhelmingly bipartisan and were approved by a cumulative 363-9 vote in committee.
This week, the Senate passed H.R. 5895 – the minibus appropriations bill – which packaged three FY2019 Senate appropriations measures, including Energy and Water Development, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch. The legislation was approved 86-5.
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