SE Kentucky News

U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers has cast his vote in favor of the American Relief Act, which aims to extend federal government funding until March 14, 2025. This move is designed to prevent a government shutdown during the holiday season. The legislation focuses on disaster relief funds and offers an extension of support for farmers for one year.

"As we look forward to the new year, a new Republican-led Congress and a new Trump/Vance Administration in the White House, this bill paves the way for our new leaders to be a part of the process to secure critical federal funding for the country through 2025," said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. "This bill isn’t perfect, but our nation has a multitude of pressing needs that require additional funding, including disaster relief from recent deadly storms and helping our farmers who have experienced devastating losses. When the new Congress is sworn into office in January, we will need to hit the ground running."

Rogers emphasized Congress's responsibility: "It is the duty of Congress to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. A government shutdown would be reckless for our economy, our military, our federal workers and our global posture."

The American Relief Act includes provisions extending essential health care services such as DEA scheduling authority for fentanyl-related substances and funding special diabetes programs along with community health centers. It also extends Medicare payments and supports child and family services programs, rural development disaster assistance, and emergency food assistance.

The legislative package allocates $110 billion specifically for disaster relief efforts and $30 billion in emergency aid aimed at supporting American farmers. Notably absent from this act are provisions for a two-year suspension of the debt limit or any pay raises for members of Congress.

Having passed in the House, this bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.