FULL PACKET_2017-02-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Notably, the CR included: • $170 million in funding to address Flint, Michigan's water contamination issues; • $10 billion in war funding; • $7 million to reimburse the New York Police Department for the cost of security for President Trump, which is far less than the $35 million that the city requested; • $4.1 billion in disaster aid for Louisiana and other states affected by Hurricane Matthew, as well as flood, drought, and other weather -related emergencies; • $500 million to help states combat the opioid crisis; and • $870 million for the 21" Century Cures Act a new law designed to advance medical research. Congress Passed Final Water Resources Bill On December 10, the Senate passed the final water resources bill, concluding the 1141h Congress. The House passed the final bill on December 8. Both the House and Senate approved their respective versions of the bill in September with overwhelming support. Conference negotiators resolved the bills' differences on December 5, and promptly released the final version. The House renamed the Water Resources Development Act to the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act (S. 612). After passing the House, the bill faced unexpected opposition in the Senate from its Democratic author —Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)—due to the last-minute addition of California drought language sponsored by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA). The language aims to provide drought relief to central and southern California, but drew criticism from Senator Boxer because it would temporarily loosen environmental standards and divert more water to corporate farmers. Nevertheless, the Senate voted to pass the bill. The bill authorizes 30 new Army Corps of Engineers projects in navigation, natural disaster management and ecosystem restoration projects; and modifications to eight existing projects. The final conference report (S. 612) includes: • Authorization of $11.7 billion for Army Corps of Engineers navigation and flood control proj ects; • Authorization of $170 million for lead contamination issues in Flint, Michigan; • Allows the Secretary of the Army to conduct an evaluation to improve water supply conservation measures when a drought emergency has been declared in a state; • Authorization of $300 million in grants over five years to help small communities comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act; and • Directs the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with the Department of Interior, USDA, NOAA, along with state and local governments, to develop non - regulatory national drought resilience guidelines relating to drought preparedness planning and investments. IV. 2017 Federal Update The 115`h Congress began on January 3. The Senate is comprised of 52 Republicans and 48 Democrats. In the House, there are 241 Republican seats and 194 Democratic seats — 218 seats 3 19Em=T13