House Republicans narrowly passed a significant government funding bill on Wednesday, proposing steep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget for fiscal year 2025. The annual Department of Interior and EPA funding bill passed 210-205, facing staunch Democratic opposition due to reductions in funding for the EPA, National Park Service, Smithsonian, and National Gallery of Art.
The bill’s passage comes amidst faltering attempts to pass all 12 annual funding bills before the August recess. House leadership canceled votes on three other funding bills this week and decided to start their summer recess a week early. The vote was closely monitored, with extensive discussions swaying undecided members.
The bill’s future in the Democratic-led Senate is uncertain. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) defended the bill, citing necessary fiscal responsibility amidst a $35 trillion national debt and high inflation. The proposed funding levels include a 20% cut to the EPA and increases for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Wildland Fire Management.
Democrats criticized the bill for inadequately addressing climate change and including partisan provisions that hinder bipartisan support.
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