© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A U.S. Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as “Main Justice,” is seen behind the podium in the Department’s headquarters briefing room before a news conference with the Attorney General in Washington,
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Five months into the fiscal year, congressional negotiators have unveiled the first tranche of bills to avert a partial government shutdown, with Republicans and Democrats touting the portions of the legislation that embraced their key priorities.
Below are some of the details from the 1,050-page bill.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson touted the fact that the legislation bars the Justice Department “from targeting parents exercising their right to free speech before school boards.”
A section of the measure “prohibits the Department from targeting or investigating parents who peacefully protest at school board meetings and are not suspected of engaging in unlawful activity.”
Republicans took issue with a department memo issued in 2021 that said it was using its authority to discourage a spike in harassment, threats and intimidation of school officials. Attorney General Merrick Garland has defended the memo, saying authorities never used the FBI against parents.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Johnson said the measure imposed deep cuts on the Environmental Protection Agency, while Democrats said the bill rejected drastic cuts to environmental programs.
The bill cuts funding to the EPA to $9.16 billion, down from $10.1 billion in the previous fiscal year. But it maintains staffing levels and funding for several programs.
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
Johnson said Republicans had won deep cuts to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The bill cuts funding to the ATF by about 7%. Much of that decrease stems from the fact that there are not construction expenses included for the bureau in the current fiscal year.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Both Democrats and Republicans touted the fact that the legislation fully funded veterans’ healthcare. The bill boosts funding for veterans’ healthcare by more than $2 billion, including for mental health, women’s health and caregivers.
FOOD AID
Democrats touted the fact the legislation fully funded a key food aid program. The bill boosted funding for the program by about $1 billion.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE
Democrats highlighted funds for rental assistance and for programs to help build housing. The legislation included money for a program to produce housing, housing vouchers and other rental assistance.
