Hoyer Announces Fifth District Investments in FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) today announced that the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (H.R.2029) passed by the House of Representatives included a number of investments that benefit the Fifth District and Maryland. The bill will also fund the Federal government through September 2016.

"While this is not a perfect bill and there are a number of provisions in it I do not support, I'm pleased that Democrats and Republicans compromised and came together on an agreement that will keep the federal government operating," said Congressman Hoyer. "This bill includes some important investments in Maryland's future, ranging from education to modernizing our transportation infrastructure needs. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make stronger investments that benefit the Fifth District, our state and country, and to give budgetary certainty for the federal government."

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the General Services Administration (GSA)

• Includes $390 million to begin the initial design, engineering and construction of the new consolidated headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Prince George's County has two sites that are on the shortlist of eligible sites for the new home of the FBI headquarters.

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

• Includes a provision to provide federal employees who were impacted by the Office of Personnel Management data breaches with 10 years of protection and up to $5 million in identity theft insurance.
• Also includes a 1.0 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2016 and a 0.3 percent locality pay adjustment. Congressman Hoyer represents 62,000 federal employees in the Fifth District.

TRANSPORTATION

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA):Restores the federal commitment of $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) to help improve safety and the quality of service for the many Fifth District commuters who ride Metro each day.
• Purple Line Transit Project:  Includes $100 million for the Purple Line transit project that will connect Prince George's and Montgomery Counties.  

EDUCATION

• Department of Education's Preschool Development Grant program:Contains $250 million for the grant program, which supports states in building, developing, and expanding voluntary, high-quality preschool programs in high-need communities to ensure greater success of children across the country. Maryland is one of only 18 states to receive this grant.