Senate Passes Bipartisan Budget Act
Investing in Defense, Disaster Relief, Healthcare
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the two-year budget agreement, the Bipartisan Budget Act, which also includes a Continuing Resolution to funds government programs until March 23. The bill passed the Senate in a vote of 71-28.
“Passage of this legislation ensures our military has the support needed to meet the challenges of an increasingly dangerous world. Providing our armed forces and the veterans who have bravely served us with the resources they need should always remain a top priority,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m also pleased that through this funding measure, we are giving relief and certainty to the most vulnerable -- from disaster victims to individuals and families in rural areas who use Community Health Centers and to all those who depend on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).”
Bill Highlights:
Defense
- Supports our nation’s armed forces and boosts our national security by funding the military at this year’s National Defense Authorization Act levels.
- Provides the authority to start new projects for five military construction projects critical to the F-35 beddown at Eielson Air Force Base. Note: New military construction projects generally cannot be started under a continuing appropriations resolution.
Healthcare
- 4-year authorization for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), added onto the 6-year extension passed in January.
- 2-year continuation of funding for Community Health Centers.
- Prioritizes the fight against opioid addiction and substance abuse.
- Extension of the Special Diabetes Program and Special Diabetes Program for Indians.
Disaster Supplemental
- $89.3 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations to help states and communities impacted by recent hurricanes, and wildfires. This includes relief for communities affected by fisheries disasters.
Click here for Senator Murkowski’s statement on the two-year budget agreement.
