Carper Statement on Omnibus Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, released the following statement on the omnibus funding bill that passed the Senate today by a vote of 79-18.

Below is a chart highlighting the significant changes made to funding levels to programs within EPW’s jurisdiction in the omnibus, as compared to the president’s “skinny budget” released in February.

“Back in February, President Trump released his so-called ‘skinny budget,’ in which he proposed reckless cuts to decimate programs put in place to protect public health and our environment. Today, the Senate has passed a funding bill that looks very different from that dangerous proposal. The bill approved overwhelmingly by this chamber today is a responsible compromise that funds our government for the remainder of the fiscal year and continues to fund the programs that keep families across this country safe from polluted air, contaminated water and toxic chemicals. I am pleased that members on both sides of the aisle could reach a reasonable agreement that allows our scientists and environmental experts to continue doing their important work.

“Since the release of the president’s ‘skinny budget,’ millions of Americans have made their voices heard. They spoke out at town halls, they called their representatives, they organized in their communities and they marched in Washington, D.C. and across the country to say loud and clear that we won’t go silently into the night. Some have wondered if these efforts would translate into results. I think that this bill shows that standing up and speaking out has an impact.

“But this is only the beginning. The president is expected to release his full budget proposal this month and there will be another spending showdown in September. Today’s bill was a good pre-season victory, but we must continue speaking up and keep this momentum going in order to get a win in the fall.”