[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             SUPPORT FOR THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT OF 2018

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN J. FASO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2018

  Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Bipartisan 
Budget Act of 2018.
  This budget deal is a step forward that allows Congress to move on 
and tackle the problems Americans sent us here to solve. It includes a 
number of provisions that are wins for New Yorkers, including 
strengthening the state of our military readiness, improving care for 
our veterans, critical hospital investments, and providing more funding 
to fight the opioid crisis.
  Additionally, I want to express my support for the special committees 
organized to propose genuine reform to the congressional budget process 
and another to address the funding crisis for multi-employer pension 
plans. For far too long, Congress has governed from funding crisis to 
funding crisis, inhibiting its ability to tackle our nation's most 
pressing problems.
  This bipartisan agreement also includes fixes for several lingering 
health care related issues, including a two-year reauthorization of the 
Community Health Center Fund, a two-year elimination of the medical 
device tax, and an extension of the Medicare Love-Volume Hospital 
adjustment. This Medicare fix translates to millions of dollars for 
several Upstate hospitals.
  Finally, I am thrilled to see my legislation improving the John H. 
Chafee Foster Care Independence Program included. This program is 
critical in assisting older former foster youth transition to an 
independent life, including providing education and training vouchers. 
This improvement increases the age the states can provide assistance 
from 21 to 23.
  It should also be noted that the nation faces a looming debt crisis 
which is not made better by this legislation. My support for the bill 
was overwhelmingly influenced by the critical defense funding gaps 
affecting military readiness. Secretary Mattis has been very persuasive 
in his arguments as to the impacts of the budget sequester on our 
troops and the need to rebuild core aspects of our national defense. I 
trust his judgement in this regard.
  While there is still much work to be done, I applaud my colleagues 
for coming together to draft this bipartisan measure, and I am proud 
the President signed this legislation into law on February 9, 2018.

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