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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted in the House to advance H.R. 6833, legislation that continues government funding through December 16th and provides disaster relief and additional support for Ukraine. The legislation passed by a vote of 230-201.

“Today I stood with my colleagues to take urgently-needed action that will keep the doors of government open and deliver federal assistance to those communities devastated by Hurricane Ian,” Congressman Tonko said. “Our vote on the Continuing Resolution will prevent a needless shutdown that would damage our economy and millions of hardworking Americans. The funding Democrats pushed to include will play a key role in aiding the millions who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian as well as empowering federal programs to deliver a robust response to other severe storms and disasters. I’m also proud to be delivering additional support for the Ukrainian people against Russia’s ongoing assault. I will continue working to ensure we meet our government’s financial obligations and do right by Americans and our allies.”

The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act provides:

• Billions in relief for Florida, Puerto Rico, New Mexico, Alaska and other communities hit by natural disasters, especially in the wake of Hurricane Ian
• $2 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to aid the long-term housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs of communities impacted by disasters in 2021 and 2022
• $1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help address high energy costs and ease pressure on working families’ pocketbooks due to inflation
• $20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi
• $12.3 billion to power the fight for freedom in Ukraine, including new security, economic and humanitarian assistance
• Five-year reauthorization of FDA user fees to sidestep interrupts to the FDA’s review and approval process for new prescription drugs coming to market