news

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered today’s successful vote in the House to advance Fiscal Year 2022 budget bills that include major provisions Tonko proposed and pushed for to support hardworking Americans and communities in need. These resources include major investments in weatherization assistance, broadband internet access, support for small businesses and more. The slate of provisions were included in funding legislation that advanced out of the House today.

“The incredible toll of this pandemic has weighed heavily on all of us and for so many families, workers and small businesses, that economic burden has proven too immense to bear alone,” Congressman Tonko said. “These grim consequences will echo for years to come without strong, immediate and compassionate action taken by Congress to support Americans through these challenging times. With our vote today, the House has moved forward with a bold plan that will deliver for countless struggling households and businesses. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues today to advance this funding package that will support those most in need and bring to them the promise of better, brighter days ahead.” 

Tonko has gone to bat for struggling families and businesses throughout this pandemic to ensure they receive the support they need. He continues to do so today with the budget legislation that includes:

• $3.9 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, an increase of $150 million above the FY 2021 enacted level.
• $1 billion to the Small Business Administration (SBA), an increase of $111.9 million above the FY 2021 enacted level.
• $907 million for the expansion of rural broadband services, an increase of $165 million above the FY 2021 enacted level, to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services.
• $433 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), an increase of $87 million above the FY 2021 level, to improve our nation’s infrastructure, boost economically recovering communities, and launch innovative community development efforts.
• $375 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program—an increase of $65 million above the fiscal year 2021 level—to support the weatherization of nearly 50,000 low-income households.
• $275 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, an increase of $125 million above the FY 2021 level.

###