Thornberry on spending bill

WASHINGTON-U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) voted today in support of the Fiscal Year 19 Appropriations package. This bill passed by a vote of 300 to 128 and will now go to the president’s desk for signature.

“I agree that this bill is not great, but it does improve border security, and it includes several provisions that are important to the people of our area.  It is better than another shutdown or another continuing resolution.

“Each of the past five Administrations – Republican and Democrat – have sent military personnel and resources to our southern border.  It should be clear to everyone that Congress has not provided adequate resources to control who and what crosses our border for many years.

“I appreciate the President’s determination to do so, and I denounce the stonewalling of the Democratic leadership in Congress, which I believe is based more on politics than the national interests.

“At the same time, I encourage the President not to divert significant Department of Defense funding for border security.  Doing so would have detrimental consequences for our troops as military infrastructure was one of the accounts most deprived during the Obama-era defense cuts.  And it would undercut one of the most significant accomplishments of the last two years – beginning to repair and rebuild our military.  I hope that the President will pursue other options.”

What’s in the bill:

Immigration and National Security: