John Rutherford: “I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his leadership on this bill with scores of amendments through committee. Mr. Chair, I…”

“I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his leadership on this bill with scores of amendments through committee. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill makes key investments in water resources infrastructure and coastal flood protection, increases funding for veterans healthcare and benefits, bolsters our military assets, and increases funding for the Capitol Police by $29 million. Of great importance to my district, Mr. Chair, in northeast Florida is the MILCON appropriation, which includes $111 million for two much- needed facilities for the training and support of the littoral combat ship crews at Naval Station Mayport. These facilities will ensure that the LCS crews are efficiently and adequately trained as we continue to rebuild our fleet and deploy these ships in the future. Mr. Chair, I am grateful to former Chairman Dent, Chairman Carter, the committee staff, and my colleagues for their hard work on this package, and I urge its passage. {time} 1615”