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Newhouse Statement on President Trump Signing Bill to Fund Hanford, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

September 21, 2018

Bill provides $2.4 billion for Hanford cleanup, funds programs at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement today after President Trump signed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5895, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.

"I applaud President Trump for signing legislation into law to provide for the needs of our veterans and our national defense," said Rep. Newhouse. "This legislation supports critical priorities for Central Washington by authorizing funding to keep Hanford cleanup on track as well as necessary resources for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory."

Rep. Newhouse previously released a statement after the Conference Committee failed to include House-approved language to end a federal judge's spill order at lower Snake River dams.

Legislation highlights:

Energy and Water Appropriations –

  • Supports a strong nuclear national security strategy with a total of $15.23 billion for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons security programs, including the maintenance and readiness of the nuclear stockpile and Naval nuclear reactors.
    • $2.438 billion for Hanford cleanup
      • $865.171 million for Richland Operations
      • $1.573 billion for Office of River Protection
  • Increases funding for the nation's water resources infrastructure by directing $7 billion to the Army Corps of Engineers, an increase of $172 million, which will boost navigation and flood control improvements.
  • Promotes economic competitiveness and energy independence by including $13.5 billion for energy programs, including protecting the safety of the nation's electrical grid and investments in fossil and nuclear energy research.
    • $6.585 billion for Department of Energy's Office of Science, supports 10 national laboratories, including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) ($1.195 billion more than the President's budget proposal)
      • $705 million for Biological and Environmental Research, supports the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and Atmospheric Radiation Measurement User Facility at PNNL. These scientific user facilities provide access to unique, state-of-the-art equipment for more than 1,800 users annually.
      • $24 million for the Energy Sciences Capability, supports a construction project at PNNL to provide modern lab space and equipment for chemistry and materials science research and development, a reduction of $16 million from the House version.

 

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations:

  • Includes the highest dollar level ever for the Department of Veterans Affairs – $86.5 billion discretionary funding – an increase of $5 billion. This includes funds for new and expanded Mission Act programs, increases in mental health services, modernizing the VA's health records system, and addressing the claims backlog.
  • Provides resources for improved infrastructure for our service members and their families – $10.3 billion for military construction projects, an increase of $241 million, including:
    • Upgrades to infrastructure for deterrence operations and unique training requirements to counter challenges posed by Russia and threats from the Middle East and Africa;
    • Increases for infrastructure and facilities construction and improvements on U.S. military bases; and
    • Housing for all 1,400,000 military families currently served.

Legislative Branch Appropriations:

  • Bolsters the safety and security of the Capitol Complex for Members, staff, and the thousands of guests who visit every day by increasing funds for the Capitol Police and security infrastructure improvements.
  • Provides funding for the Office of Employee Advocacy, which provides legal consultation, representation, and assistance on allegations, claims, and complaints under the Congressional Accountability Act.
  • Opens the door for Congressional service to students and young people of all economic backgrounds by dedicating funds for paid internships.
  • Continues the Member of Congress pay freeze.

For more detailed information on each of these bills, please visit: https://appropriations.house.gov/legislation/