Gray TV: Sen. Murkowski secures funding for Alaska in spending bill
Lawmakers in Washington are a step closer to avoiding a government shutdown. On Wednesday, the House passed a $1 trillion spending bill to fund the federal government through September 30th. The Senate is expected to vote on the package on Thursday. As chair of Senate Appropriations Committee’s Interior Subcommittee, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) says she’s in a position to ensure Alaska’s interests are protected and represented. This omnibus spending bill includes funding to fight wildfires, EPA air shed grants to help communities like Fairbanks with their air quality, funding to help those with mental health issues like postpartum depression and suicide prevention.
“I think what you have in front of the House [Wednesday] and the Senate, hopefully [Thursday], is a product that is the result of bipartisan compromise, which his what this process is about," said Murkowski.
Once the Senate passes this spending bill, which takes care of Fiscal Year 2017, Congress will begin working on the budget for Fiscal Year 2018. President Trump has released his plan for 2018, which calls for cuts across many federal government agencies and programs.
“As I’ve told many Alaskans, it’s important to know what the Administration’s priorities are. It’s important to recognize how we move forward working together with the Administration. But at the end of the day, the Appropriations bills are Congress’s work product," said Murkowski. "Quite honestly, some of the things the president asked for in his skinny budget, I do not support and I will not support.
Another thing Murkowski does not support – threatening a government shutdown – now or in the future.
By: Ted Fioraliso
Source: Gray TV
