The U.S. House of Representatives have accomplished what many doubted was possible. Before the July 4th District work period begins, the Members of the House have managed to pass all ten of their appropriations bills providing ample time for the Senate to complete their bills. Included in these ten bills is funding for defense, homeland security, transportation, health and human services, and agriculture.

“This is truly a great feat,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX). “Through the strong appropriations chairmanship Jerry Lewis (R-CA), the House has worked feverishly to pass these necessary bills. Now we have the necessary time to work on more complex and immediate issues of concern including Social Security and Medicaid reform.

The appropriations process is a yearly endeavor that allows the government to continue operating. Both the House and the Senate pass separate bills and then must come together in conference to meld the bill language and present a piece of legislation to send to the President.

“This is the very first budget since Ronald Reagan where there has been a decrease in discretionary spending,” remarked Rep. Michael Burgess. “And furthermore, this is the first budget since before Ronald Reagan where there has been a slow down in the increase of mandatory spending. As a conservative, I’m proud of this accomplishment.”

Locally, Congressman Michael Burgess ensured that the University of North Texas (UNT) will continue to receive funding for the Advanced Research and Technology Institute. In the House version of the FY06 Defense Appropriations, UNT will receive $4.6 million. To date, Representative Burgess has secured $9 million for the center.

The House Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act, H.R. 2863, passed by a vote of 398-19 on Monday, June 20th. The Senate will take up its own DoD Appropriations bill, and the differences will be decided in conference.