Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted in favor of a bill that funds government operations through September 2012. The omnibus appropriations act is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President, thus preventing a government shutdown.
“The spending levels in this bill are consistent with the tough caps that Congress put in place in this year’s Budget Control Act,” Larsen said. “Even so, this bill funds several of my priorities that are important to residents of Northwest Washington. It keeps Pell Grants for low-income students at $5,500, making sure that young people have access to quality higher education. It funds important energy efficiency programs for clean jobs. We also increased the nuclear non-proliferation budget to keep up with our goals to secure nuclear material and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
“I am particularly pleased that the bill funds critical Navy aircraft with significant ties to Northwest Washington. The bill includes funding for 12 new Growlers and seven P-8A Poseidons, some of which will eventually be based on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Buying these aircraft strengthens our national security and will strengthen the economy of Whidbey Island. I am also pleased that members of the military will receive a 1.6 percent pay increase next year.”
