Click here for the Votes: H.R. 3354
September 15, 2017 - WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, which provides FY18 funding for America’s most pressing needs. Rep. Jeff
Denham (R-Turlock) voted in favor of its passage, which included two amendments he offered to support Runaway Youth Programs and Maternity Group Homes and efficient implementation of the Federal Assets and Transfers Act.“I’m encouraged that the House was able to come together to pass an on-time funding package that addresses America’s priorities, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues to ensure inclusion of both my amendments,” said Rep. Denham.
The first amendment allows the Department of Health and Human Services to offer Transitional Living Program and Maternity Group Home grants for centers that would otherwise see a lapse in funding in Fiscal Year 2018. This amendment prevents centers from facing a gap in grant eligibility due to a Fiscal Year that commenced off cycle. These important centers, such as the Modesto Center for Human Services, provide temporary shelter to youth in crisis who are experiencing homelessness, teach life skills and provide counseling and transitional services to homeless, pregnant and parenting youth to promote long-term economic independence to ensure their well-being.
The second amendment transfers funds to support efficient implementation of the Federal Assets and Transfers Act, a bill that I authored and was signed into law last year. FASTA unlocks an opportunity to sell underutilized, unneeded and excess federal properties. This program, which is at the beginning of its implementation stage, will yield over $8 billion in infrastructure savings that may be re-invested in much needed infrastructure projects elsewhere around the country.
Source: Congressman Jeff Denham
