Capito votes to pass three appropriations bills, calls for further action in funding process

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVDN) – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bills, all of which previously passed the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously.

“Senate passage of the first three funding bills is great news for our veterans, farmers, and motorists, but also for our country as a whole. These bills support dozens projects and priorities that I have requested in consultation with entities and organizations across West Virginia, and today’s passage will help these projects take a step toward becoming fully funded. We are passing bipartisan appropriations bills on the Senate floor with a robust amendment process; this is regular order,” Senator Capito said. “Further action in the appropriations process is required, including emergency support for our national security and our allies abroad. We must use today’s momentum to continue our efforts and deliver for the American people.”

WEST VIRGINIA WINS:

Highlights from the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill:

• Directly supports construction efforts of the West Virginia National Guard;

• Increases funding for Rural Healthcare and fully funds Women Veterans Care;

• Continues to support the Agritherapy program at the Hershel Woody Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington.

Highlights from Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill:

• Directly supports Community Facilities projects across West Virginia;

• $3.94 billion under Rural Development, including funding for water and waste grants and loans;

• Increases funding for Child Nutrition Programs, ensuring healthy school meals.

Highlights from Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill:

• Funds dozens of West Virginia Economic Development Initiatives (EDI) projects;

• Continues funding for the Appalachian Development Highway System at $100,000,000;

• Supports the Airport Improvement Program and provides funding for an additional 1,800 new air traffic controllers;

• Level funding for the Department of Transportation’s RAISE program.