Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, played a pivotal role in the recent passing of Fiscal Year 2024 funding for various sectors, including Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
The legislation, which had overwhelming support in the House and passed the Senate with a vote of 75-22, is now headed to the President’s desk for approval. The bill directly allocates over $786 million for crucial Alabama priorities, with Senator Britt securing more than $232 million for strategic, targeted investments across the state.
Senator Britt highlighted the importance of the package, stating, “My priority has been and continues to be restoring regular order to the appropriations process and passing accountable, prudent bills that live up to our promise to the American people.”
The breakdown of Alabama projects funded by the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill includes allocations for Fort Novosel, Maxwell Air Force Base, and Redstone Arsenal. These appropriations cover various critical aspects, such as barracks construction, aviation training support, hazardous materials facilities, and vehicle maintenance storage.
The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Act secured over $42 million directed by Senator Britt to modernize and upgrade transportation infrastructure in local communities across Alabama. This includes improvements to roads, regional airports, and inland port infrastructure.
The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Act, supported by Senator Britt, includes over $10 million in directed spending to address violent crime, counter the fentanyl crisis, and invest in economic development programs. The bill also ensures funding for the Artemis program, aiming to return people to the moon.
In the Energy and Water Development Act, Senator Britt secured almost $73 million in directed spending for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These funds support the revitalization of the George W. Andrews Lock and Dam and maintenance dredging on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act reflects Senator Britt’s commitment to Alabama’s agriculture priorities, including combating Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and addressing the impact of drought conditions on peanut crops.
Lastly, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act, guided by Senator Britt, includes almost $18 million in directed spending for water infrastructure projects. Additionally, the bill reduces the regulatory budget of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 10 percent.
