WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives approved Thursday legislation authorizing funding for the Department of Defense, which includes construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
House Resolution 3219 — the Make America Secure Appropriations Act — passed 235-192. Reps. David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Evan Jenkins voted with the Republican majority on the $788 billion spending plan.
The bill would set aside $1.6 billion for the border wall, the full amount requested by the Trump administration.
It would also fund veterans health care, a 2.4 percent pay raise for military personnel and services of the Appalachian Regional Commission.
“This legislation provides for our national defense by giving our troops the resources they need to fulfill their missions, as well as full funding for the border wall,” said Jenkins, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee. “I am proud to support this legislation and hope the Senate will take it up soon.”
“The passage of the Make American Secure Appropriations Act will ensure that our military, law enforcement, Department of Veterans Affairs and other important agencies have the necessary funds to keep Americans safe at home and abroad,” Mooney said.
The resolution additionally sets aside $668 million for furthering the development of fossil fuel extraction and technologies.