Congresswoman Rivas votes against Republicans’ continuing resolution

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after voting against House Republicans’ Continuing Resolution: 

“Instead of putting forth a solution that will support communities, Republicans chose to advance a bill that strips funding for services and programs that uplift families, seniors, children, and veterans across the San Fernando Valley and the country,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “The Republicans’ bill does not include over $13 million in Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding projects for my district that would improve public safety and make much-needed improvements to our public transportation systems. It also does not include disaster support to help L.A. County residents rebuild in the wake of the recent wildfires. The Republicans’ funding bill fails to lower costs for Americans and makes it more difficult for working families to get by, which is why I voted ‘no.’” 

Background 

H.R. 1968 – the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act – cuts funding for nondefense programs and services by $15 billion and defense spending by $3 billion. 

H.R. 1968 does not include funding for Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding projects. Congresswoman Rivas wrote to House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) expressing her disappointment in the Republican Committee’s decision to not include appropriations for these important projects in CA-29. In addition to work impacting our communities, this legislation includes cuts to: 

Rent subsidies for low-income and working Americans; 

·         National Institutes of Health (NIH) research projects into cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, ALS, heart disease, and other health conditions;  

·         Local transportation safety projects to improve the safety of airports, railways, roads, and ports across the country  

·         U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction projects that manage flood risk and restore ecosystems; 

·         The Disaster Relief Fund, which helps Americans across the country recover from natural disasters; 

·         The Toxic Exposures Fund that allows the Department of Veterans Affairs care for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances; and  

·         Grants for mental health services in public schools.; and  

·         Local transportation safety projects to improve the safety of airports, railways, roads, and ports across the country. 

H.R. 1968 passed the House by a vote of 217-213. 

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