U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after the House passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016:

“Today’s passage of the legislation that will fund the government for the next fiscal year represents a bipartisan compromise that includes a number of priorities that are important to Americans. National security is arguably the biggest concern right now and this legislation fully funds our military and tightens security requirements for those entering our country under the nation’s Visa Waiver Program. It includes no new funding for Obamacare, and in fact, undermines Obamacare’s funding; reduces EPA’s budget to its lowest level since 2008 and cuts its employees to the lowest number since 1989; blocks the anti-gun UN Arms Trade Treaty; repeals mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, which is hurting America’s farmers and ranchers; prohibits taxpayer funding for abortions and cuts the UN’s Population Fund. This legislation will also repeal the decades old oil export ban which will help grow jobs and promote greater exploration of natural resources in our country. While this bill is not perfect, it ultimately is a step in the right direction. It is my hope the House of Representatives will get back to regular order and pass appropriations bills one-by-one so Congress can avoid governing by crisis.”

Additional highlights of the legislation:

Fully funds defense, pays our troops, and provides the resources and equipment our military needs.
No new funding for Obamacare.
Includes 2^nd Amendment rights protections.
Limits the EPA to the lowest funding levels since 2008 and prevents funds for new or expanded EPA regulatory programs.
Freezes IRS funding $1.7 billion below the president’s request.
Provides a two-year delay of the Obamacare excise tax on high cost health plans (Cadillac tax)
Provides a five-year extension of 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Fund and extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act through 2090.