WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released a statement regarding President Trump's intent to sign the fiscal year 2019 appropriations package into law. The legislation, paired with a potential national emergency declaration from the president, would ensure the federal government has the resources necessary to build a wall and enhance technology to combat drugs and human trafficking at the border.

“I am pleased that Congress averted another costly government shutdown while providing resources to build more than 55 miles of new physical security barriers along our borders,” said Bost. “This agreement will help provide certainty that government services will be funded.  That being said, it’s a shame that Nancy Pelosi and the open borders wing of her party have put us in a position of choosing between funding essential government services and securing our borders, especially when they supported these barriers in the past.” 

Highlights of Funding Bill

Secures America:

• Addresses the humanitarian and security crisis at the southwest border by including $1.375 billion for 55 new miles of wall or physical barrier, as well as additional technology to combat human and drug trafficking.
• Supports Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including funding for additional detention beds, allowing flexibility to address surges in illegal immigration and apprehensions.
• Reduces the immigration case backlog by increasing the number of immigration judge teams from 395 to 534.
• Combats the financing of terrorism and terrorist groups and strengthens the development and enforcement of sanctions against Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Cuba.

Supports Agriculture

• Increases funding in agricultural research programs.
• Gives agricultural producers certainty by funding the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund

Enhances Economic Prosperity:

• Encourages economic development and job creation in rural communities like Southern Illinois by providing nearly $4billion for rural development programs.
• Reins in the EPA's economically harmful regulatory agenda by cutting funding for regulatory programs by $15 million.

Invests in Infrastructure:

• Includes over $72 billion in transportation infrastructure funding.
• Provides $660 million in rural broadband expansion to unserved / underserved rural communities.

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