WASHINGTON - The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies today approved by voice vote its fiscal year 2021 bill. In total, the draft bill includes $36.76 billion in regular appropriations, an increase of $771 million above the FY 2020 enacted level, and $5.11 billion over the President’s 2021 request. Additionally, the bill includes $15 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations for investments in critical infrastructure. There is also an additional $2.35 billion of funding provided under the fire suppression cap adjustment.
The bill next heads to the full Committee for markup.
“Last year, the Democratic Majority in the House was finally able to secure significant new investments in environmental protection and land conservation, after years of budget cuts and neglect under a Republican Congress and the Trump administration. For FY 2021, House Democrats are building upon last year’s successes to advance the priorities of the American people - ensuring we have clean air and water to protect our communities’ health, protecting our public lands and endangered species, and taking meaningful actions to address climate change," said House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Chair Betty McCollum. “House Democrats are committed to ensuring that ALL Americans have fair and equal access to the opportunities that allow them to pursue their dreams, including honoring the federal government’s commitments to our tribal partners by investing in education, infrastructure, and health care in Indian Country. Finally, House Democrats have been tirelessly working to help American families overcome the ongoing difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic and recognizing the need to root out the systemic racism and inequities in our society. This bill faces these challenges head on."
“With this bill, we reject the Trump administration’s pandering to the fossil fuel industry and disregard for the environment and public lands. Instead, we increase funding to preserve our landscapes, protect endangered species, and help prevent the worst impacts of climate change," said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey. “I am also very proud that this legislation honors our obligations to Native American communities by investing in education, housing, public safety, and health care. This bill will protect our environment and the health of our families, not line the pockets of industry."
A summary of the bill is here. The full text of the bill is.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
