Research | The Leader Board | THE NEWSROOM | Republican LeaderSkip to primary navigation Skip to content×Close THE NEWSROOMRemarks Press Releases The Leader Board Op-Eds Videos SENATE RESOURCESRepublican Senators Committees Congressional Record Congress.gov Senate Floor Webcast ABOUT LEADER McCONNELL×Close THE NEWSROOMRemarks Press Releases The Leader Board Op-Eds Videos SENATE RESOURCESRepublican Senators Committees Congressional Record Congress.gov Senate Floor Webcast ABOUT LEADER McCONNELLxxsearchxMENUFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookTwitterInstagramVisit Senator McConnell's site here THE NEWSROOMRemarks Press Releases The Leader Board Op-Eds Videos SENATE RESOURCESRepublican Senators Committees Congressional Record Congress.gov Senate Floor Webcast ABOUT LEADER McCONNELLxxsearchxMENUHomeTHE NEWSROOMThe Leader Board03.22.24Determined Work By Congressional Republicans Secured Important Conservative Policy Wins In This Year’s Appropriations BillsIn FY 2024 Appropriations, Republicans Negotiators In The House And Senate Boosted Defense Spending, Enhanced Border Enforcement, Banned Funds For UNRWA, And Cut Democrats’ IRS ExpansionSENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH McCONNELL (R-KY): “The task before Congress this week – completing annual appropriations – is important work every year. In fact, it’s among our most basic, fundamental responsibilities. But not in decades have the stakes of providing for the common defense been as high as they are right now. For the first time since the Cold War, America faces an era defined by great power competition…. Today, we face major adversaries who wish nothing more than to bleed American influence, sap our resolve, torch our credibility, and fill every void we leave behind with a new order built on fear and subjugation. And we face terrorists and rogue states committed to help them sow chaos…. But it’s not enough to recognize these challenges or name-check them in policy papers. Both the Administration and Congress have to act and invest like we’re willing to meet them…. [O]ur work on Fiscal Year 2024 defense appropriations represents a critical down payment.” (Sen. McConnell, Remarks, 3/22/2024)· LEADER McCONNELL: “[A]s the Senate prepares to finish our work on annual government funding, I’ll once again thank our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for the diligent work required to get to this point…. I’m especially grateful to my friend, Susan Collins, whose leadership and skill have continued to improve this legislation on behalf of Senate Republicans at every step of the process…. Our work is far from finished. But I’m proud of what my Senate colleagues have accomplished to close out the annual appropriations process.” (Sen. McConnell, Remarks, 3/22/2024)HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA): “I think the final product is something that we were able to achieve a lot of key provisions in, wins in, a move in the direction that we want …” (ABC News, 3/20/2024)· “Johnson called the newly unveiled legislation a ‘serious commitment’ to ‘strengthening our national defense’ by moving the military toward its ‘core mission.’” (“Congressional Leaders Roll Out Final $1.2T Funding Package Ahead Of Saturday Shutdown Deadline,” Politico, 3/21/2024)HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN KAY GRANGER (R-TX): “House Republicans made a commitment to strategically increase defense spending, make targeted cuts to overfunded non-defense programs, and pull back wasteful spending from previous years. I am proud to say that we have delivered on that promise, and this bill is proof. Given that the world is becoming more dangerous, we wanted to send a strong message that we will do everything in our power to protect the American people and defend our interests. This bill funds our highest national security priorities - it invests in a more modern, innovative, and ready fighting force, continues our strong support for our great ally Israel, and provides key border enforcement resources. At the same time, we made cuts to programs that have nothing to do with our national security and pulled back billions from the Administration. With the odds stacked against us, House Republicans have refocused spending on America's interests, at home and abroad, and I urge support of this bill.” (U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, Press Release, 3/21/2024) Republicans Secured Vital Defense Funding To Enhance America’s Hard Power As The World Grows More PerilousOverall Defense Spending Increases, Including Additional Funds For Readiness, Recruiting, And Retention“The Department of Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 provides a total of $824.485 billion, which is $26.7 billion (3.4%) more than the FY2023 enacted level.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)· “Operations & Maintenance (Readiness): $287.2 billion for the sustainment of operations, weapons, training, and readiness activities, which is $9.1 billion more than last year.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)· “$123 million increase for new enlistment bonuses, monthly bonuses for junior enlisted soldiers, and expanded eligibility for basic needs allowance authorized in the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Also Included Is $15.8 Billion To Continue Modernizing America’s Nuclear Deterrent“Nuclear Modernization: $15.8 billion, including $5.3 billion for B-21 continued development and aircraft, $4.5 billion for the development of Sentinel ICBM, $6.1 billion for the Columbia-class submarine, and $130 million for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N), consistent with Section 1640 of FY2024 NDAA.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)‘The Largest Pay Raise In 40 Years’ For Servicemembers“Fully funds the 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers—the largest pay raise in 40 years.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Military Personnel & Taking Care of People: $176.2 billion for the pay and benefits of servicemembers and families, which is $3.5 billion more than FY2023 enacted level.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Boosts Our Defense Industrial Base Through Extra Funding For Procurement And Surging Munitions Production“Procurement and Research and Development (R&D): $172.0 billion for the procurement of weapon systems, which is $9.8 billion more than the FY2023 level, and $148.3 billion for research, development, and testing of platforms, which is $8.6 billion more than FY2023.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Provides $6.5 billion to maximize production this year of eight critical munitions and for the first time approves multi-year procurement for six missile programs. Includes $1.2 billion to begin modernizing Army depots, arsenals, and plants to improve munitions surge capacity.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Funds Programs And Research Essential For Keeping Pace With China’s Military Buildup“Provides more than $64 billion for capabilities relevant to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), including:· $1.6 billion to fund the requested number of B-21 Raider bombers,· $1.8 billion for ten Navy P-8A sub-hunting aircraft,· $858 million for Army prepositioned stocks in support of the Pacific theater,· More than $200 million to accelerate DOD’s Replicator initiative that aims to field thousands of autonomous systems within the next 24 months, and· $50 million to accelerate sensor-to-shooter capabilities for INDOPACOM.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Space Force: $4.1 billion for procurement and $18.7 billion for R&D, including 15 space launches; $2.2 billion for resilient missile warning and tracking satellites; and more than $330 million to address the most pressing space capabilities excluded from the request.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Hypersonics: More than $2.6 billion for continued development across all services.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Secures Funding For Critical Air, Sea, And Land Weapons Platforms, Including More Navy Ships Than The President Requested “Includes $33.7 billion for Navy shipbuilding, which when combined with restrictions on Navy divestments, results in six ships more than the President’s request.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)· “Ship Maintenance: $13.7 billion to fully fund Navy ship repairs, an increase of $1.7 billion from FY2023 level. $470 million for spares to keep more submarines at sea.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Navy and Marine Corps: $78.8 billion for procurement and $28.0 billion for R&D.· Fully funds eight battle force ships.· Provides additional $250 million for a total of $500 million for an amphibious ship—the #1 unfunded priority of the U.S. Marine Corps.· Makes a down payment for a third DDG-51.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Abrams tanks: $1.2 billion, $532 million more than request, for 87 tanks.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“E-7: $831 million for the E-7 radar aircraft, $200 million more than the request to accelerate development of the #1 unfunded priority of the Air Force.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“F-35 Aircraft (all variants): $9.8 billion for 86 F-35 aircraft, nine more than last year.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Funds Vital Defense Systems For Our Israeli Allies“U.S.-Israeli Cooperative Programs: $500 million for Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow—consistent with the ten-year MOU signed between the United States and Israel.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Continues A Long-Standing Rider Blocking The Transfer Of Terror Detainees From The Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility“Blocks the President’s ability to close Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility or to transfer detainees to the United States.” (“Department Of Defense, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Cuts Wasteful Pentagon DEI Programs“Cuts $50.5 million from diversity and inclusion programs in the President’s Budget Request, rolling back funding to FY21 levels.” (“Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, 3/21/2024) Republicans Fought For And Won More Funding For Enforcement To Address The Border Crisis“Republicans boast that they successfully shifted border security funding toward ‘enforcement,’ rather than DHS management budgets and funding for non-profit groups that provide shelter and other resources to undocumented immigrants crossing the border into the U.S.” (“Congressional Leaders Roll Out Final $1.2T Funding Package Ahead Of Saturday Shutdown Deadline,” Politico, 3/21/2024)· “After reopening talks on a full funding bill for DHS, negotiators agreed to increase immigration detention capacity to 42,000 people Immigration and Customs Enforcement can hold at one time. That increase amounts to about a 24 percent bump over the current detention-bed capacity of 34,000 and is among the top deal-making victories Johnson has touted.” (“Congressional Leaders Roll Out Final $1.2T Funding Package Ahead Of Saturday Shutdown Deadline,” Politico, 3/21/2024)· “The speaker is also celebrating funding for 22,000 Border Patrol agents, the same number House Republicans included in H.R. 2, the immigration and border security measure they passed last year and have pressed the Senate to take up, to no avail. Funding for border technology would also increase by 25 percent over current spending levels.” (“Congressional Leaders Roll Out Final $1.2T Funding Package Ahead Of Saturday Shutdown Deadline,” Politico, 3/21/2024)Customs And Border Protection Will Get A $3 Billion Boost Over Biden’s Budget And 2,000 More Agents “Customs and Border Protection (CBP): $19.6 billion in CBP funding to strengthen border security between and at ports of entry, an increase of more than $3 billion above the President’s request.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“The bill also provides $850 million in procurement and construction funding, including $229 million in border security technology and $374 million for non-Intrusive inspection equipment at ports of entry to combat fentanyl and other illicit smuggling.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Provides funding for more than 2,000 additional Border Patrol agents (bringing the total funded level to 22,000) and 150 new Port of Entry officers.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Fully funds Border Patrol overtime policies adopted in FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Increases Funding For ICE, Including An Extra $300 Million For Removal Of Noncitizens, And Funds Nearly 42,000 Detention Beds“Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): $9.6 billion for ICE, an increase of $1.2 billion above the President’s request. This total includes $5.1 billion for enforcement and removal operations and $2.5 billion for Homeland Security Investigations, which aim to combat transnational criminal organizations and crimes including fentanyl distribution and child and human trafficking.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Secures an additional $300 million above FY2023 levels for the transportation and removal program to remove noncitizens with final orders of removal.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Funds 41,500 ICE detention beds, an increase above the 34,000 beds funded in FY2023 and the 25,000 beds proposed in the President’s budget request.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Homeland Security Appropriations Also Boosts Our Coast Guard And Includes Important Cybersecurity Funding“U.S. Coast Guard: $12.9 billion to support the Coast Guard’s domestic and overseas missions. The bill fully funds the pay raise for Coast Guard military employees and supports Coast Guard investments, including acquisition of the Commercially Available Icebreaker and funding for another Offshore Patrol Cutter and two additional Fast Response Cutters.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): $2.9 billion for CISA to continue efforts to defend the cyber and physical security on which Americans rely.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)This Bill Also Funds FEMA, Including Over $20 Billion To Assist Americans Recovering From Disasters“Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): $25.5 billion for FEMA, including $20.3 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to respond to Presidentially-declared emergencies. The bill also provides $3.2 billion in grants to states and local communities, including for firefighters and non-profit security.” (“Homeland Security, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024) State And Foreign Operations Appropriations Feature Robust Support For Israel, Ban Funding For UNRWA, And Work To Counter Chinese Influence Throughout The WorldExtends UNRWA Funding Ban“Prohibits funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) through March 25, 2025, and imposes stringent new conditions on assistance for Gaza.” (“State, Foreign Operations, And Related Programs, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Republicans … secured a 12-month prohibition on federal funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Israel has accused some of the agency’s employees of involvement in the Oct. 7 attacks that killed some 1,200 Israelis and saw hundreds more brought back as hostages to the Gaza Strip by the terrorist group Hamas. A U.S. intelligence assessment has reportedly verified some of Israel’s claims about UNRWA.” (“Congress Gets A $1.2 Trillion Spending Bill Days Before Shutdown,” The Washington Post, 3/21/2024)· “Democrats howled at the funding ban…” (“Congress Gets A $1.2 Trillion Spending Bill Days Before Shutdown,” The Washington Post, 3/21/2024)Counters China’s Influence And Prohibits Funding For The Wuhan Institute Of Virology“Invests key resources to counter the influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) around the globe, including $1.8 billion to support implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, $400 million for the Countering PRC Influence Fund, and $300 million for Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan.” (“State, Foreign Operations, And Related Programs, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Prohibits funds for the Wuhan Institute of Virology.” (“State, Foreign Operations, And Related Programs, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Further Supports Israel’s Efforts To Defend Itself While Blocking Money For Biased Anti-Israel UN Investigations“Includes $3.3 billion for Foreign Military Financing for Israel, to be disbursed within 30 days of enactment of the bill, and prohibits funding for the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” (“State, Foreign Operations, And Related Programs, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Ensures U.S. Diplomatic Facilities Are Only Flying The American Flag Or Other Official Flags“Allows only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over U.S diplomatic facilities.” (“State, Foreign Operations, And Related Programs, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024) Republicans Protected Key Pro-Life Provisions In The Labor, HHS, And Education Bill, Cut Some Of Democrats’ Partisan Slush Funds, And Helped Ensure Important Funding To Combat The Opioid EpidemicRepublicans Preserved Long-Standing Protections Like The Hyde Amendment And Prohibitions On Federal Funding For Needle Exchange Programs And Promoting Gun Control“Maintains Legacy Riders: Maintains all long-standing riders, including Hyde and Hyde-Weldon conscience protections, needle exchange prohibition, National Labor Relations Board electronic voting prohibition, and the Dickey Amendment that prohibits federal funds to promote gun control.” (“Labor, Health And Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Republicans Won Cuts To Democrats’ Partisan Inflationary Spending And IRS Enforcement That Were Biden Administration Priorities“Rescinds $4.3 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding and $10 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding for IRS Enforcement.” (“Labor, Health And Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)The Appropriations Bill Secures Nearly $5 Billion To Fight Opioid Addictions Afflicting Many American Communities“Opioid Epidemic: $4.95 billion for improving prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Funding will support the workforce, especially in rural communities, and research for critical needs, such as funding alternative pain medications.” (“Labor, Health And Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)The Legislation Boosts Funding For The NIH To Continue Its Work On Helping Americans Hurting From Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Opioid Addiction, And Mental Health Problems“National Institutes of Health: $48.2 billion (excluding CURES Act funding), an increase of $300 million for biomedical research investments:· Cancer: $7.224 billion, an increase of $120 million for the National Cancer Institute and provides full funding for the Childhood Cancer STAR Act.· Alzheimer’s: $100 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, with increases of $10 million for National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ($2.604 billion) and $90 million for National Institute on Aging ($4.508 billion).· Mental Health: $2.188 billion for National Institute of Mental Health, a $75 million increase for enhanced investments in mental health research.· Diabetes: $2.311 billion for National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a $10 million increase for diabetes research.…· Opioids: $640.6 million for the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, a $5 million increase.” (“Labor, Health And Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Includes Funding To Support More Choices In Education“Career and Technical Education (CTE): $1.44 billion for CTE State Grants, an increase of $10 million.” (“Labor, Health And Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Apprenticeship Funding: $285 million to support the apprenticeship grant program.” (“Labor, Health And Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024) Republicans Fought To Roll Back Big Chunks Of Democrats’ Partisan IRS Expansion And Blocked Proposals To Ban Gas Stoves In The Financial Services And General Government BillRepublicans Stripped $10 Billion In IRS Funding From Democrats’ So-Called Inflation Reduction Act And Required The IRS To Better Protect Taxpayer Data“Claws back $10.2 billion from Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Enforcement provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and freezes IRS discretionary spending for the second consecutive year.” (“Financial Services And General Government, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“IRS: In addition to the $10.2 billion rescission and the freeze in discretionary spending, the bill includes:· Zero funds for IRS Business Systems Modernization.· Report language to protect small businesses and households with actual incomes below $400,000 from unnecessary and expensive audits.· Directs the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to provide a report to the Committee on the IRS’ controls to prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive taxpayer data.· Requires the IRS to protect taxpayer data by documenting how and when it will comply with Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA).” (“Financial Services And General Government, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)“Rejects new proposals to allow the IRS to hire more quickly and pay bigger salaries.” (“Financial Services And General Government, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Republicans Blocked The Consumer Product Safety Commission From Using Funds To Ban Gas Stoves “Includes a new provision that prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from using funding provided in this Act to ban gas stoves.” (“Financial Services And General Government, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024)Republicans Also Worked To Provide Funding For Better School Choice In Washington, D.C.“Promotes parental choice and helps D.C. students escape failing schools by providing $17.5 million for D.C. charter schools and $17.5 million for D.C. scholarships.” (“Financial Services And General Government, 2024,” U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans, 3/21/2024) ###SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTERRelated Issues: Russia, Immigration, Guantanamo Detention Facility, China, Cybersecurity, Border Security, America's Military, Israel, National Security, IRS, Appropriations, Defending Life, Opioid Abuse, Law Enforcement, Education, Homeland SecurityPrintEmailTweetPreviousTHE NEWSROOMSENATE RESOURCESABOUT LEADER McCONNELLFacebookTwitterInstagram
