WASHINGTON – Congress approved a continuing resolution to keep federal programs and services funded through April 28, 2017 and a water bill, both of which would provide $170 million for Flint, Mich., and other localities with contaminated water.
The Senate passed the CR by a vote of 63 to 36 Friday night, despite threats by Democrats from coal states to block the vote over lapsing health care benefits for miners. The House had voted 326-96 to approve the measure on Thursday and President Obama signed the CR on Saturday, averting a shutdown of the federal government after the existing stop-gap funding measure expired on Friday.
Congress has effectively adjourned with a few pro forma days remaining, congressional staff said. Lawmakers will return for the 115th Congress on Jan. 3, they said.
The CR generally allows federal agencies to continue funding programs at fiscal 2016 levels and provides $4.1 billion, including $1.8 billion of community development block grants, for disaster relief from Hurricane Matthew, droughts and other weather related emergencies. It appropriates $170 million for Flint and other localities.
The Senate approved the $10 billion Water Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act (WIIN) on Saturday by a vote of 78 to 21, despite the threat by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., to block the bill over drought provisions for some areas of California. The House had passed it Thursday by a vote of 360 to 61.
The water bill would authorize funds for Flint and others.
The CR and water bill will provide $100 million for the Safe Water Drinking Act State Revolving Fund, which will allow Flint to access funding to replace lead service lines and address other water infrastructure needs.
The legislation will also provide $20 million in loans through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for water infrastructure projects, including those that address lead and other water contamination issues.
Also, $50 million will be included for public health initiatives, including: $17.5 million for a lead exposure registry to collect data of individuals exposed to lead; $2.5 million for an advisory committee to provide input on research needs for lead poisoning; $15 million for the creation of a Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program; and $15 million for a Healthy Start Initiative to improve child and maternal health.
