The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E524-E525 on March 3, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009
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speech of
HON. BOB ETHERIDGE
of north carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1105, the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act. This bill completes Congress' work funding essential government services for 2009 and invests in important priorities to get our economy back on track. H.R. 1105 provides for the needs of North Carolina's most vulnerable citizens and will help our State make the investments it needs to make for a brighter future.
As the former superintendent of schools in North Carolina, I am particularly pleased that this bill continues our commitment to educational opportunities for all Americans. Economists tell us that strategic investments in education are one of the best ways to help America become more productive and competitive. This bill builds on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support state and local community efforts to improve schools, and on the efforts of individuals and families to provide a better life for their children. H.R. 1105 provides $66.5 billion for the Department of Education, a 7 percent increase over last year. In these times when state budgets are stretched to the limit, it increases the federal share of special education costs and increases Title I grants for disadvantaged students to ensure our local communities are able to continue to help our most vulnerable students. It provides increases to student financial aid to help 1.4 million students go to school, and helps 6.9 million families pay for college with an increase in the maximum Pell Grant to $4,360. It provides additional funding for Head Start, gives child care assistance to 11,000 more children, and provides 1.7 million with quality afterschool services that supplement their school activities. These are fundamental investments that provide the key to the future for our nation's children.
This bill makes many other critical investments to address our immediate needs while laying the foundation for our long-term prosperity. H.R. 1105 provides $15.3 billion for the Labor Department, providing critical job training, unemployment, and workforce protection services to our working families. It appropriates a total of $496 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services, including critical support for Medicare and Medicaid. It includes $108 billion for the Department of Agriculture, including a 15 percent increase in funding for rural development. It appropriates $57.9 billion for Commerce, Justice, and the science agencies, including a 16 percent increase for state and local law enforcement activities. By improving support for research and development at our nation's universities, federal laboratories, and small business incubators, funding in H.R. 1105 creates jobs and contributes to U.S. competitiveness. Finally, this bill invests in energy security with a 12 percent increase in funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, which will help us reduce our dependence on foreign fuel sources.
This bill is not just about spending. H.R. 1105 also cuts and eliminates government programs that are not working, and provides accountability and oversight through improvements in regulatory agencies. In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that we wisely invest the tax dollars that have been entrusted to us, and this bill is a sound investment in our future.
Mr. Speaker, Congress has a solemn duty to pass a funding bill that honors the values of the American people. By addressing America's domestic needs, providing for our foreign obligations, and investing in the future, H.R. 1105 reflects these values. I support H.R. 1105, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.
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