WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) released the following statement upon passing the FY23 omnibus bill, a bipartisan funding package of 12 appropriations bills, supplemental funding, and other key policies that includes funding for 15 community projects in New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District.

“This end-of-year package is about our values as a nation and our commitment to working families,” said Congressman Norcross. “The funding we secured this year will have a direct impact on the quality of life for hardworking South Jerseyans, providing good-paying jobs, better access to affordable education, and lower health care costs. The bill also includes critical investments in retirement savings, worker protections, job creation and support for our veterans, which I have championed throughout the year. I’m also proud to see us take critical steps to secure our democracy at home and provide robust support for the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression. At the end of the day, the funding we secure has to show hardworking Americans that we are looking out for them. This bill does that, and I want to thank House and Senate appropriators for keeping our promise and moving our country forward.”

Congressman Norcross added, “I’m proud to have secured critical funding for fifteen local projects that are going to empower South Jersey families. From fighting hunger to improving our local ports and recreation, these resources are going to directly support the families that call this community home. That’s a big deal, and it’s an honor to help make this impact.”

Congressman Norcross’s Key Priorities in the FY23 Omnibus

• Job Training and Education: $18.4 billion for Title I schools, an increase of $850 million from the previous year. The bill also provides $10.5 billion for the Employment and Training Administration and $285 million for Registered Apprenticeships nationwide, which allow apprentices to “earn while they learn” a skilled trade and provide an opportunity to begin a good-paying career without a traditional four-year college background.
• Health Care Access: $47 billion for the National Institute of Health (NIH). The bill also provides critical funding to improve health outcomes for young families who live in underserved communities. Ensuring permanent, mandatory and continuous coverage for the 40 million children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.
• Child Care: $8.02 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, which represents a 30 percent boost. The bill also creates a nationwide permanent Summer EBT Program for millions of children to get healthy, nutritious meals in the summer.
• Mental and Behavioral Health: $7.5 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an increase of $970 million in funding from FY22 levels. Additionally, key provisions of Rep. Norcross’s Opioid Treatment Access Act were included in the FY23 omnibus, which will cut red tape for mobile clinics offering methadone treatment for opioid use disorder.
• National Security: $797.7 billion to support our men and women in uniform, including an increase of $109.05 million for safety upgrades for military vehicles to keep servicemembers safe while operating them. This bill also includes $45 billion to continue supporting the Ukrainian people against Putin’s war.
• Cleaner Energy and Independence: A $1.2 billion increase in investments towards research, development and deployment of clean energy made in America.
• Federal Student Aid Programs: Increased the maximum allowable Pell Grant by $500 to $7,395 – a substantial increase in the maximum award that will help working families pursue higher educational opportunities.
• Worker Protection Agencies: $1.9 billion, an increase of $52 million above fiscal year 2021, which will collectively look after workers interests and ensure they are receiving the wages and benefits they earned fair and square.
• Workers’ Rights: $299 million for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), a $25 million increase in funding from FY22. Though not nearly enough to keep up with increased numbers of union petitions, this is the first time the NLRB has received an increase in funding since FY2010 and ensures the agency will be able to avoid steep staffing cuts.
• Retirement Savings: Key provisions in FY23 omnibus bill will allow individuals with low and moderate incomes to receive a 50% government matching contribution (up to $2,000) that will be deposited into their 401(k) or IRA.
• Community Projects for South Jersey: 15 community funding projects were secured as part of the guidelines issued by the House Appropriations Committee.

Background

The text of the FY23 omnibus is here. A full summary of the 12 regular appropriations bills is here. Explanatory statements are available here. A summary of the Ukraine supplemental is here. FY23 Appropriations Requests are here.