The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill that funds the government for the remainder of the fiscal year and implements key policy changes that benefit southern, central and eastern Oregon by reining in burdensome federal red tape. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) supported this plan, and released a video message explaining his support.
“While this measure is not perfect, certainly, it does reduce funding for federal agencies to a level on the discretionary side that is below what it was when President Obama took office. And it does keep the government open. Importantly for our famers and our ranchers, this plan halts an increase in grazing fees and it stops proposals to list the sage grouse under the ESA. That’s a move that could decimate rural economies in eastern Oregon. We increase our oversight of agencies, like the IRS, and we cut funding from them. And we cut wasteful spending from agencies like EPA that try to push forward with really bad regulations that hurt our farmers, and ranchers, and job creators.
“This legislation provides full funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program. Now that’s very important for our counties, to make sure they have the dollars necessary for essential local services, while also providing full funding for wildfire suppression operations – also very important. It also ensures that Oregon potato growers are no longer needlessly excluded from federal nutrition programs.
“Under this plan, we provide additional funding to address growing threats around the world, such as Ebola and ISIS. And importantly, we take care of the men and women who serve our nation, wear our nation’s uniform, by full funding a pay raise and providing funding to ensure that our veterans get the needed care that they’ve earned and deserve. This plan continues our efforts to reduce waste, cut out federal red tape where possible, and create jobs in Oregon and around the country.”
The bill is now headed to the Senate, which is expected to pass it in coming days. Key highlights of the plan are below:
Highlights of the Plan
Prevents an endangered species listing of the sage grouse: The bill prohibits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from issuing further rules to list the sage grouse under the endangered species act. This delay allows local collaborative efforts in Oregon and across the West time to restore sage grouse habitat to ensure a premature listing doesn’t decimate rural economies. As Walden has said, “The effect of the sage grouse’s listing could make the spotted owl look like child’s play,” which is why he has repeatedly urged the Administration to build solutions from the ground up and collect crucial input from local communities.
Directs the BLM to follow the law on the Steens: Walden has worked hard to demand that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) pay for fencing on Steens Mountain required under the Steens Act, a law authored by Walden in 2000. The bill sends a clear message that the fencing is the responsibility of the BLM, not ranchers in the area, reading, “The Committee is concerned that BLM has attempted to place the responsibility for fencing upon private landowners within the cattle free area identified by the [Steens] Act, despite the Act’s clear mandate that fencing is BLM’s responsibility. The BLM is directed to comply with the Act.” In April, Walden met with ranchers and the BLM in Burns to urge the agency to follow the law.
Halts proposed increase of grazing fees: The bill blocks an Administration proposal to charge millions in new grazing fees on BLM and Forest Service lands in Oregon and across the West. It also provides resources to help reduce the current backlog in processing grazing permits.
Fully funds PILT program for Oregon counties: Combined with funding included in the National Defense Authorization Act (passed by the House last week), the bill fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program to counties to help offset losses in tax revenue due to non-taxable federal land. This provides Oregon counties with much needed revenue for essential local services and ensures the federal government pays its fair share on land it owns.
Makes white potatoes eligible for purchase through the WIC program: Under current rules, participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) federal nutrition program are barred from purchasing fresh white potatoes with WIC funds. This bill lifts that ban, allowing WIC participants to choose Oregon potatoes as a healthy, low-cost way to feed their families. Walden had led a bipartisan coalition of over 90 members to urge the Secretary of Agriculture to lift this ban.
Provides full funding for wildfire suppression: Provides increased funding for wild land fire management activities, a $223 million increase over last year’s funding level. This includes needed funding for next generation air tankers to improve firefighting capability.
Reduces funding for the EPA: The plan increases oversight of the EPA and reduces funding for the agency, which has seen funding reduces by 21 percent since 2010. It also reduces staffing levels at the EPA, bringing staffing to the lowest level in 25 years.
Increases oversight of the IRS: The bill slashes funding for the IRS to below 2008 levels. It also prohibits the agency from using funds to improperly disclose confidential taxpayer information or to target groups for scrutiny based on their political beliefs.
Fully funds a 1% pay raise for troops and provides needed funding to the VA: The bill funds a pay raise for men and women in uniform and fully funds a cost of living adjustment for military retirees. It also provides needed funding for veterans health care and to help reduce the claims backlog at the VA.
Stops funding for the UN Arms Trade Treaty: The bill blocks any U.S. funding from going to the United Nations to implement the UN Arms Trade Treaty, which Walden has strongly opposed due to its potential threat to Second Amendment rights.
