[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5315-S5316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             APPROPRIATIONS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I spoke yesterday about the bipartisan 
cooperation that has made it possible for us to return to a regular 
appropriations process. Collaboration got the four measures we are now 
considering through the subcommittee and full committee process, thanks 
to the efforts of Chairman Shelby, Senator Leahy, and the subcommittee 
leaders, Senators Murkowski, Collins, Hoeven, and Lankford.
  On the floor, bipartisanship let us turn to legislation by consent 
and kick off the amendment process with several votes yesterday. If we 
can keep it up, we will soon take four more big steps toward our goal 
of funding the Federal Government the right way and avoiding another 
omnibus.
  Yesterday, I mentioned that the legislation before us addresses two 
pressing national needs: rebuilding America's infrastructure and 
bolstering the fight against opioids. But that is far from the whole 
story. These measures cover about one-eighth of the total discretionary 
spending for next year. They fund a long list of key services that 
Americans depend on every day--everything from food safety inspections 
to child nutrition programs, to the Forest Service and national parks. 
Communities in all 50 States are connected to this legislation.
  Here are a few of the provisions that will be particular cause for 
celebration in my home State of Kentucky: $37 billion toward rural 
development, including support for rural businesses, and loans and 
grants to improve rural infrastructure for electricity, telephone, and 
broadband internet in communities in Kentucky and all across the 
country; another $1 billion in grants to help communities invest in 
highways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, with a guarantee 
that 30 percent of this funding would go into rural areas; more funding 
for the Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program, which helps communities 
reclaim abandoned coal mines and put that land to better use; more 
funding and a sharper Federal focus on controlling the evasive Asian 
carp that threaten local prosperity and water safety in Kentucky Lake 
and Lake Barkley in Western Kentucky; and more help for the Kentuckians 
who battle the scourge of opioids every day.
  The legislation funds the FDA's efforts to intercept illegal drugs, 
the DEA's program for high-intensity trafficking areas, and increased 
training for first responders.
  It also contains a provision I secured directing the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development to encourage more access to transitional 
housing opportunities for individuals recovering from substance abuse 
disorder.
  I could go on. The ways the bill before us would assist families and 
communities across Kentucky are practically countless, and the same is 
true for every State in our country.
  That is why every Member understands the importance of 
appropriations. Funding the Federal Government--matching resources with 
urgent challenges--is one of Congress's most important 
responsibilities. I am proud of the appropriations process that is 
underway, and I am especially proud of all of the ways the resulting 
legislation will deliver for the American people.

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