Importance of Virginia Having Member on Appropriations Committee #VA02

Over 40% of our local economy is from federal spending. As the first freshman Congressman in Virginia history, appointed right from the start to the powerful Appropriations committee, we were able to deliver for VA02.

It's important we regain this important seat at the table. Pelosi installing Luria as a subcommittee chair on the Vet's Affairs committee, so she can say she has been given leadership, is not even remotely close to being on the Appropriations committee and overseeing all federal expenditures, to include the VA's budget.

Below are some of my requests that were filled in an Appropriations bill, important to VA02

Chesapeake Bay Program - $73M

National Sea Grant Program - $65M,

This funding level supports key focus areas in the program’s strategic plan: sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, healthy coastal ecosystems, and environmental literacy and workforce development.

Second Chance Act - $85M

The Second Chance Act represents an important federal investment in strategies to increase public safety and reduce recidivism by authorizing funding for the development and coordination of reentry services, such as employment training, substance abuse treatment, and mentoring.

21st Century Launch Complex – Maintains FY17 levels

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA Wallops is located in VA-02 and operates the two launch pads that support NASA launches to the International Space Station as well as DoD launches. This language ensures that NASA Wallops receives an equal share of funding for upgrades and improvements for its launch range as Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This funding has been critical for spaceport in recent years and ensures that it can remain competitive for government and commercial launch opportunities.

Port Security Grant Program - $100M

The Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) is one of the Department’s grant programs that directly supports maritime transportation infrastructure security activities like those at The Port of Virginia.

New Start Requirements –

This language includes increases to the number of New Start Construction projects from two to five, but it also specifically includes the requirement that one of the projects will be for the “environmental restoration” mission. This new construction can possibly include the Lynnhaven Inlet, located on the Lynnhaven River.

Tactical Network Technology Mod in Service - $414M

Over $290M in projects for VA-2

$18.5 million to replace hazardous materials warehouse, Norfolk Naval Station

$23 million for a special operations training facility, Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story

$36.3 million for bachelor enlisted quarters, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station

$34.6 million for magazine recap, Norfolk Naval Station

$2.5 million for electrical upgrades at JEB Little Creek-Fort Story

$29.2 million for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations facility expansion, Dam Neck

$34 million for an aircraft maintenance instruction building, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story