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Langevin Backs $383.3B ‘Minbus’ Package

[CREDIT: C-SPAN] Congressman James Langevin presides over the House of Representatives during opening day of the 116th Congress.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) voted for H.R. 3055, a $383.3 billion “minibus” appropriations package Wednesday, securing millions for coastal waterway protection, law enforcement agency coordination, and wheelchair aviation safety, among other priorities.

The package comprises the Fiscal Year 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science; Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA; Interior and Environment; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills.

It passed the House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 227-194.

“This appropriations package will create jobs, support vulnerable populations, and preserve our public lands,” said Langevin. “The bill includes new funding to fight the opioid epidemic, combat gun violence, protect the environment and help create healthier and safer communities across the country. The legislation also fully rejects the Trump budget, which would have brought devastating cuts to Rhode Islanders most in need.”

In the base bill, Langevin secured $5 million in funding for the Southeast New England Program Coastal Watershed Restoration Program at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will help preserve coastal waterways in Rhode Island. Langevin also introduced two amendments that were adopted during floor debate on the funding package. The first amendment further increases funding by $2.7 million for the Department of Justice’s Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program, which helps local and state law enforcement agencies better coordinate and deconflict ongoing investigations. Langevin’s bipartisan amendment was offered in conjunction with Congressman Peter King (R-NY); the two also lead an annual funding letter to the House Appropriations Committee in support of RISS. The other amendment appropriates $800,000 to conduct a wheelchair restraint study that Langevin included in last year’s Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization. The study will explore ways disabled air travelers in wheelchairs could avoid being required to transfer to a passenger seat while flying.

“I always fight to make certain Rhode Island priorities are included in government funding bills,” said Langevin. “In this bill, I was particularly proud to lead the push for funding to protect New England’s estuaries. These coastal waterways are plentiful across Rhode Island and possess great ecological, recreational and economic value for our state.”

Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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