Washington, DC - Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted for the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill that keeps the Federal government open, protects critical programs at South Jersey’s Joint Base, delays the so-called ‘Cadillac tax’ on health care plans for working families, and funds health care programs for heroic 9/11 First Responders.

“I’m proud to have worked across party lines to pass this bill that protects one of South Jersey’s largest employers and one of our nation’s most strategic military assets, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst,” said Rep. Norcross. “In addition, for months I’ve spoken out about the impending tax increase on health care plans for working families, and today Congress acted to stop that tax from impacting families next year. And thankfully, the bill provides funding for the health care needs of the heroic first responders that risked their lives on 9/11.”

In addition, the Omnibus bill funds critical priorities for New Jersey and America, including investments and increased funding for:

• A 1.3% pay raise for military personnel and enhanced programs for veterans;
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects;
• Environmental cleanup activities;
• Medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH);
• National infrastructure investments through the TIGER program and additional railroad safety grants
• State and local community programs to help hire law enforcement personnel and train them to prevent and respond to potential terror attacks; and
• Violence against women prevention and prosecution programs.

“This critical funding will strengthen families and grow America by investing in national security, jobs opportunities, education, and innovation. These are key investments in our families and our future,” said Rep. Norcross.

Yesterday Norcross voted to extend the Perkins Loan Program and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) that help make college affordable for middle class students. The bipartisan bill also included tax relief for families, students, workers, and businesses that will provide predictability and affordability for hard working Americans and help grow our economy, notably through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Following that vote, Norcross said “The American Opportunity Tax Credit helps make college affordable for middle class students and parents, and New Jersey families rely on the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit to help make ends meet. Today Congress acted on behalf of America’s families, helping them provide for today and plan for the future.”