Evans Will Vote to Prevent Shutdown; Highlights Positives in Spending Bill
Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) announced he will vote today for a bipartisan spending bill that would prevent another government shutdown if President Trump signs it into law.
"I met with many federal employees from Philadelphia and the region who were forced to work without pay or were furloughed without pay for 35 days during the recent shutdown. That was unfair to them and the people they serve. I am against a new shutdown. The people deserve a functioning government, and the workers deserve to get paid for their work!" Evans said.
Evans highlighted several positive aspects of the bill, including:
- $22.6 billion for Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers, rejecting proposed cuts;
- $3.4 billion for Community Development Block Grants, rejecting the proposed elimination of that program;
- $648 million for grant programs to address the opioid crisis and related impacts;
- $293 million for port infrastructure;
- $153 million for COPS grants to help communities hire more police officers;
- $123 million for grants to combat homelessness;
- $40 million for the Minority Business Development Agency, rejecting proposed cuts;
- A 1.9 percent raise for federal civilian employees, overriding President Trump's decision to deny the pay raise.
"The bill passed the Senate earlier today, so once the House votes tonight, all that remains is for President Trump to do the right thing by signing this bipartisan compromise into law and keeping the government open for the people," Evans said.
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Media Contact: Ben Turner, Ben.Turner@mail.house.gov