McCaul Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauded the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act.

Congressman McCaul: "I was proud to cast my vote today to keep our government open and fund our military. Holding this critical funding for our troops hostage is reckless and unacceptable. In fact, our Secretary of Defense James Mattis has said, "no enemy in the field has done more to harm the readiness of the U.S. military than the [military cuts we experienced under President Obama]." Thankfully, today, Congress passed a budget agreement to end the harmful sequester so we can provide assurances to our brave men and women in uniform and rebuild our military capabilities and readiness.

"This package also provides $89.3 billion in long-delayed and much needed disaster relief funding for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The House passed legislation last December to provide those still struggling to rebuild their lives with the resources they need, but it is has been stalled in the Senate. With this bill, Texas and other impacted areas will finally receive significant federal help to rebuild, including $17.39 billion in Army Corp funding to help build our flood mitigation projects and prevent future flood disasters.

"Since day one, I have been working tirelessly to provide federal assistance to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. I am glad to see our budget agreement pass today to provide serious relief to Texans in need. We must continue to put the safety and security of the American people above all else."

The Bipartisan Budget Act:

• Provides an additional $80+ billion in an emergency disaster aid package for recovery efforts across the country to rebuild affected communities after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. This includes money for the Disaster Relief Fund, Army Corps of Engineers, Agriculture, SBA disaster loans, Federal Highways, and Housing;
• Provides $700 billion in total defense funding for FY18 (this is consistent with the enacted FY18 NDAA), and $716 billion in total defense funding for FY19;
• Directs non-defense funding to support NIH research, combat opioids, reduce the VA healthcare maintenance backlog, and invest in infrastructure;
• Reauthorizes Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for 10 years;
• Repeals Obamacare's Independent Review Action Board (IPAB).