Although the $1.7 trillion price tag on the government spending package passed by the Senate (68-29) Thursday may seem massive, there’s more to the story when it comes to this legislation, according to supporters.
Senators approved the package during the week of Hanukkah and shortly before the Christmas holiday. It is set to go to the House of Representatives next and could prevent potential shutdown and keep the government funded through next fall.
“To combat the pain of inflation felt by American families across the country, the bill makes significant investments in our communities, funds critical programs supporting America’s middle class families, cares for our veterans, and invests in our national security,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
“On a preliminary basis, CBO estimates that divisions O through JJ of H.R.
2617 of (as modified by S.A. 6552), the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, on net would not increase the deficit over the 2023-2032 period,” said the Congressional Budget Office in a Wednesday statement.
Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young urged legislators to support the bill this week.
“This funding bill is overflowing with very good news for our troops, for American jobs, for our families, for the brave Ukrainian fighters, and for American democracy,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Specifically, Schumer said that the spending package would benefit Pell Grant recipients. It includes the largest grant increase in more than a decade ($500) for millions of students.
Schumer also said the bill should open up opportunities for the technology industry.
It also would increase the Child Care and Development Block Grant by 30% to $8 billion. According to CNN, low-income families can apply for the grant so they can afford child care. Head Start, a program that helps young children from low-income families prepare for school, would get a 8.6% boost to $12 billion.
Other Americans expected to directly benefit from the spending bill include those in the west and southeast who would receive $38 billion to deal with the aftermath of recent tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding and wildfires.
U.S. troops are also expected to get a 4.6% pay raise and the bill includes a 22.4% increase in support for the 73 million veterans who get health services through Veteran Administration medical care. Other funding for veteran programs is also included, as well as an additional $123 million for the U.S. Capitol Police and $2 million for off-campus security for lawmakers.
There is also $5 billion allotted for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, $3.6 billion for homeless assistance grants $6.4 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula program and $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
“The range of people it helps is large and deep,” said Schumer of the package. “America will be healthier, more prosperous, and more secure.”
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