WASHINGTON – Friday, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) voted to pass bipartisan legislation to fund the government, avoid a shutdown, and fund critical priorities. The bill provides for the largest military pay raise in twenty years, as well as support to lower childcare costs, resources for our southern border, including a record 22,000 border agents, aid to small businesses, and help for our allies. The legislation also secures resources to support the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), address PFAS contamination, and fund fentanyl interdiction efforts.

“This legislation makes good on our commitment to the American people to fund the government and provide the vital resources necessary to ensure our national defense, restore order at the southern border, lower costs for families, stop fentanyl trafficking, and support small businesses,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “I worked across the aisle with Republicans to shape and pass this bill that contains a number of vital New Hampshire priorities, and I urge the Senate to this up as quickly as possible to deliver these resources.”

Pappas priorities in this legislation include:

Historic military pay raise. 5.2% increase in military pay – the largest pay raise for service members in 20 years.

Increased funding to address the southern border. $3.2 billion increase in funding for Customs and Border Patrol (CPB), providing for a record 22,000 agents, including 150 counter-fentanyl officers, and needed investments in fentanyl detection equipment.

Increased investments to lower childcare costs for families. $1 billion increase in funding to lower childcare costs for families and support Head Start programs.

Heating assistance for families. Support for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Support for Main Street businesses. Increased funding for small businesses, including emergency assistance and resources for Small Business Development Centers and Women’s Business Centers.

Addressing PFAS contamination. Additional funding for PFOS/PFOA cleanup and PFAS remediation and disposal technology.

Supporting America’s allies abroad. Secures critical assistance for Ukraine and Israel, as well as funding to counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.

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