Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped advance the bipartisan omnibus spending package through the House of Representatives, sending the legislation to the United States Senate. This package included funding secured by Kuster for 10 Community Projects in New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District, the maximum possible for any congressional district, as well as for her legislation, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, to install carbon monoxide alarms for vulnerable populations and provide incentives for states to pass laws to require CO alarms. The omnibus package is a legislative measure to fund the federal government for the full fiscal year and includes humanitarian aid for Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion.
“I was proud to help advance this spending package today to fund our government and deliver essential resources for Granite State communities,” said Rep. Kuster. “The bipartisan funding plan passed by the House today includes essential measures to support American families, address the addiction epidemic, bolster the United States’ standing in the world, and much more. I am thrilled this package also includes my bipartisan legislation to install carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly and low-income individuals, as well as schools and other public facilities to protect some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.”
Rep. Kuster continued, “It is essential that our government show a united front to face the challenges of today, and by passing this comprehensive package, the House of Representatives did just that. I urge the Senate to move quickly on this bill and send it to the president’s desk.”
The bipartisan omnibus spending bill includes critical funding for priorities Granite Staters care about most, including:
Bolstering our national response to the addiction and mental health epidemic.
The bill funds SAMHSA at $6.5 billion – an increase of $530 million above last year’s level to help address the growing mental health and addiction crisis. This includes $3.9 billion for opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery, as well as increased mental health resources for children and youth.
This legislation also extends the telehealth flexibilities established during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that patients can access care in the home.
Security and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as Russia wages its brutal war.
To respond to Russian aggression in Ukraine, the bill includes $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and $300 million for allies and partners in the region.
In addition, the legislation includes $6.8 billion in humanitarian, economic, and security assistance for Ukraine, the countries affected by the situation in Ukraine, and other assistance to vulnerable populations and communities.
Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
The bill strengthens prevention and education programming, improves access to medical forensic examinations, and also includes bipartisan legislation originally authored by Rep. Kuster to streamline and improve how the government tracks sexual violence data in order to improve federal responses.
The package also includes $52 million for programs that provide rapid re-housing and support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).
Rep. Kuster led the bipartisan effort in Congress to dramatically increase funding for the NBRC, which is headquartered in New Hampshire and finances economic development projects throughout the Northeast.
The package includes $35 million for FY22, which is in line with Rep. Kuster’s bipartisan request.
Cleaning up dangerous PFAS or ‘forever chemicals.’
The bipartisan omnibus spending package provides an additional $30 million for PFAS remediation and disposal technology as well as an additional $28.7 million for PFAS destruction technologies.
Addressing military sexual assault and the adjudication of cases.
Increases funding for the Department and Services’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs for a total of $539.7 million. This includes $97 million for implementation of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military, $47 million for the Special Victims’ Counsel, and an increase of $7.5 million above the request for the Department’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.
Supporting low-income students seeking higher education.
The bill provides $24.6 billion for federal student aid programs, an increase of $35 million above the FY 2021 enacted level. This expansion raises the maximum Pell Grant award to $6,895, an increase of $400 above the FY 2021 enacted level. This is the largest increase in the maximum award in more than a decade.
The funding package also delivers $895 million for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, an increase of $15 million above the FY 2021 enacted level and $1.21 billion for Federal Work Study, an increase of $20 million above the FY 2021 enacted level.
Bolstering election security and securing our democracy.
The bill provides $75 million for Election Security Grants to augment state efforts to improve the security and integrity of elections for federal office. In addition, $20 million is included for Election Assistance Commission operating expenses, an increase of $3 million above the FY 2021 enacted level.
Under the Community Project Funding Request process for the 117th Congress, which was included in this omnibus package, Rep. Kuster secured resources for 10 Community Projects in the Second District, the maximum amount possible. These projects included:
$380,000 for the Connect Suicide Prevention Program in Concord
To increase the capacity of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-NH (NAMI NH) and expand its nationally recognized Connect Suicide Prevention Program, including the eLearning component. This project will increase awareness of suicide prevention across NH, improving the health and safety of Granite Staters.
$300,000 for the Cotton Mill Transfer Bridge ADA Accessibility in Nashua
To create an ADA-accessible ramp off of the northerly side of the historic Cotton Mill Transfer Bridge. Constructing the northerly accessible ramp is necessary to bring this old piece of infrastructure into compliance with current standards.
$500,000 for Families Flourish Northeast in Lebanon
To provide high-intensity residential substance use treatment for pregnant and parenting women in a warm, supportive and safe environment that welcomes women with their children.
$350,000 for the Hanover Multi-Use Path in Hanover
To increase transportation options and improve public safety for children, families, and seniors by connecting a busy elementary school and nursery school to other town path systems.
$394,800 for the Keene Heritage Trail in Keene
To construct and upgrade 4100 feet of the Keene Transportation Heritage Trail and improve the quality, safety, and functionality of the City’s transportation facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users.
$3,700,000 for the Mascoma Conservation Project
To expand access to outdoor recreation and conserve critical wildlife habitats, including 4,092 acres of priority lands in New Hampshire as well as additions to the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
$600,000 for Infrastructure Investments in the Town of Berlin
To make critical repairs to the Mason Bridge which serves as a critical corridor between the City of Berlin’s east and west sides. The bridge requires serious repairs to ensure safety and functionality for city residents, businesses, and emergency services.
$290,250 for the Mechanic Street Sidewalk Project in Lebanon
To construct a pedestrian sidewalk on Mechanic Street in Lebanon, NH. Currently, this section of road is heavily trafficked by both pedestrians and vehicles creating dangerous conditions on the roadway.
$112,500 for the North Country Council "Housing Ready" Program in Littleton
To support the development of housing options for low- and moderate-income households and deliver targeted technical assistance to communities in New Hampshire’s North Country.
$277,804 for the Watermain Relocation in Peterborough
To repair and relocate the town's water distribution system and reduce the service interruptions that are frequently experienced by water users in the town. Ensuring that Peterborough's water system remains affordable for residents and businesses is important to meet the basic needs of the community and emergency situations.
