East Central Texas News

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives has approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, H. Res. 1061, in a significant move that impacts various sectors. The bill, passed on March 6th, allocates funds for several key areas, including Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food and Drug Administration, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation.

Among the notable aspects of the Consolidated Appropriations Act are substantial budget cuts across different government departments. Congressman Ellzey highlighted the bill's conservative nature, stating, "This bill is packed with conservative wins, and this is just the start." He also expressed his commitment to further reducing federal spending and addressing concerns about government overreach in the future.

The bill includes various cuts and provisions aimed at reshaping government expenditure. It slashes $200 billion in spending over the next decade, marking a significant reduction in non-defense spending for the first time in ten years. Additionally, the Act cuts over $3 billion from Department of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and trims funding to more than 50 government agencies.

Specifically, the bill reduces the budgets of several key agencies, such as the FBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These cuts range from 6% for the FBI to nearly 10% for the EPA, reflecting a concerted effort to streamline government expenditures.

Moreover, the Consolidated Appropriations Act contains provisions that impact various policy areas. It prohibits COVID mask mandates on public transportation, exempts farmers and livestock producers from certain greenhouse gas regulations, and increases funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to combat the fentanyl crisis. The bill also prioritizes veterans' health care and benefits by fully funding these critical services.

In addition to outlining budget cuts and policy directives, the Act reflects a broader push to curtail excessive government spending and regulatory oversight. Ellzey emphasized the bill's significance in advancing conservative principles and asserted his commitment to collaborating with colleagues to address fiscal challenges and governmental overreach.

For further details on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, visit Congressman Ellzey's official website at https://ellzey.house.gov/2024/3/house-passes-the-consolidated-appropriations-act.