Kiggans votes in favor of funding for military, Border Patrol, etc.
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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans released a statement after voting in favor of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.
This legislation was passed out of the House by a vote of 286 to 134, and provides a total $1.23 trillion in government funding, including for the military, Border Patrol and other services, Kiggans said, in a release.
“For years Washington went on a reckless spending spree, making our national debt skyrocket and hurting working families,” Kiggans said. “That’s why I have made it my mission in Congress to rein in the wasteful spending from previous years while strategically increasing our defense budget and taking care of our servicemembers. Today I am proud to say that this bill delivers on that promise, and I was proud to support it.”
According to Kiggans, the legislation:
Funds the largest increase (5.2%) in basic military pay in over 20 years.
Funds 22,000 Border Patrol Agents, which is the highest level ever funded, and provides $125 million for increases to Border Patrol overtime pay authorized by the NDAA.
Provides a $27 billion increase over the Department of Defense’s FY23 enacted level, and directs that funding to countering China, developing next-generation weapons, and investing in the quality-of-life of our servicemembers.
Includes $8.7 billion for the childcare and development block grant at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Includes $305 million for the nursing workforce development programs at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Fully funds the President’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for advance procurement for future Virginia-class submarines.
Prohibits any taxpayer funding going to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), a group that allegedly had known operatives involved in the Oct. 7 attacks.
Targets resources to rural communities, including vital telehealth and opioid response resources.
Claws back $2.6 billion in unused COVID-19 funds.
Provides $125 million for increases in overtime pay for Border Patrol officers and a 25% increase for border security technology, including mobile surveillance technologies and tunnel detection systems.
Prioritizes funding to counter China, including $300 million for Taiwan.
Prohibits the IRS from targeting individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Ensures that no funds may be used to enforce a COVID vaccine mandate in the military.
Check with WAVY.com for more updates.
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