Hoyer Applauds Fifth District Investments Included in FY 2012 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
Bill Includes Investments Benefitting Local Military Facilities, Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2012 Omnibus Appropriations bill approved today by the House of Representatives:
"I am proud to support this bill, which makes important investments to ensure our Federal government remains functioning while also meeting the needs of our veteran population, protecting our national security, and supporting all those in the armed services who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Here in the Fifth District, we see the benefits of this legislation in the investments for our veterans and our military facilities, which are contributing in significant ways to strengthen the local economy, bolster our armed forces, and maintain our nation's status as the premier military innovator in the world."
This bill completes work on the Fiscal Year 2012 appropriations process by combining the nine remaining appropriations bills not previously passed through the House. Doing so allows the Federal government to continue operating and avoids a government shutdown.
Hoyer continued: "The most fundamental job this Congress has to do every year is to fund the government consistent with the priorities of the American people and our country, and while this bill is not perfect, I congratulate Appropriations Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks for their hard work in reaching a compromise on this critically important piece of legislation."
At Congressman Hoyer's urging, this bill, consistent with President Obama's Fiscal Year 2012 budget request, will enable the VA to expand the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) at Charlotte Hall and establish another in the vicinity of Pax River. The bill passed by the House today would enable these projects to move forward.
The following military construction projects were also included in the President's Budget and passed by the House, and each was strongly supported by Congressman Hoyer for their benefits to the Fifth District:
Aircraft Prototype Facility Phase 2, Naval Air Station, Patuxent River – $45.8 million
Funding will be used to construct the second phase of this important project for Pax River Naval Air Station. APF represents the future for Pax River and will transform the time it takes to field systems from years down to months and even weeks. This secure capability opens many new opportunities for Pax River to support programs directly involved in fighting terrorism around the world and solving immediate challenges for our warfighters.
Decentralized Steam System, Naval Surface Warfare Center at Indian Head – $67.8 million
Funding will be used to replace the existing Goddard Power Plant at Indian Head with a Decentralized Steam System which will provide Indian Head with a secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy source.
Army National Guard Readiness Center, La Plata – $9 million
Funding will be used to construct a 28,630 square foot readiness center to house all elements of the Maryland Army National Guard's 253rd Engineer Company, providing this Guard unit with a modern facility in support of their critical mission. The Maryland National Guard has played a crucial role in support of our nation's efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The legislation, which also makes important investments in education, the environment, and homeland security, among others, must now be approved by the Senate and then sent to the President to be signed into law.