By The Star Staff
This week, the U.S. Congress considered the last package of measures before the election recess, including the continuing budget resolution (known as CR) that would prevent a federal government shutdown starting Oct. 1, when the 2025 federal fiscal year begins.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation authored by Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón to honor the memory of maritime interdiction agent Michel Maceda, who died in the line of duty, as well as measures to promote coastal resources, improve disaster response and support domestic semiconductor production.
The CR provisions include language to earmark funds allocated under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 for the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund, which is available for two additional years, through fiscal year 2026, to settle valid obligations incurred during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
“This will allow additional time for the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office to spend the remaining funds from its $12,847,318 allocation from the Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (ESHPF) and complete its Hurricane Maria projects, including an ongoing project of approximately $6 million to repair nine historic properties across the island,” the resident commissioner said Thursday in a written statement. “Without this language, all remaining ESHPF funds would be canceled and no longer available after September 30, 2024.”
The CR also:
* Maintains government funding at current levels through Dec. 20, 2024, or until enactment of an appropriations bill for the fiscal year.
* Provides FEMA flexibility to obligate and expend Disaster Recovery Fund funds more quickly to address disasters during the CR term.
* Authorizes funding for planning and security for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
* Allocates an additional $231 million to the Secret Service for protective operations during the 2024 campaign and national security events under existing budget limits.
* Extends the National Flood Insurance Program.
* Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to continue providing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits.
* Extends Department of Veterans Affairs programs to ensure veterans receive care and benefits.
* Extends federal health programs addressing rare pediatric diseases and autism support activities.
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