Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services, General Government, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 7617 by the full House of Representatives, a ‘minibus’ that includes six FY21 appropriations bills—Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, Financial Services-General Government, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD:

“For our second minibus, I believe we have again come up with a good bill that will make strong investments in America’s future during this pandemic and beyond. I urge the Senate to pass it quickly so Americans can see the benefits faster.” 

This bill:

• Includes pay raises for the troops, improves their healthcare, and the DOD sexual assault prevention and response programs

• Includes emergency spending for vital public health response and the development of vaccines during the pandemic

• Invests in our infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and safe, affordable, fair housing for vulnerable populations

• Provides police reform grants and more funding for Violence Against Women programs

• Invests in the future of energy innovation to create jobs and stimulate the economy, improves the nation’s water infrastructure, and strengthens national security

• Protects consumers, helps small businesses, and guarantees the integrity of our federal elections