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Quigley Secures Funding for Election Security, Counterterrorism, Transportation Infrastructure, Congressional Report Transparency, Airport Noise Control & More

March 22, 2018

WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statements after the House passed the FY18 omnibus spending bill, which includes funding for several of his legislative priorities and issues he has championed since arriving to Congress.

Election Assistance Commission: $380 million in new grants to help States fortify and protect election systems from cyber-hacking.

"For over a year, I've been sounding the alarm that our election infrastructure is outdated, low-tech, and nowhere near where it needs to be to prevent future intrusions," said Rep. Quigley. "Resuming robust funding for EAC grants aimed to improve the cybersecurity defenses of our election infrastructure is a pivotal step forward in protecting our democratic process from those who wish us harm."

Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Program: $630 million—$25 million above current levels—to support efforts in cities like Chicago to prevent and protect against acts of terrorism.

"Cities like Chicago are high-density, and therefore, high-threat urban areas," said Rep. Quigley. "Major cities are presented with unique security challenges and require the right equipment, planning, and training to prevent, mitigate, and respond to acts of terrorism. Increased funding for UASI will address those complex security needs in ways that will help keep my constituents safe."

Chicago Transportation Funding: Significant increases to transit State of Good Repair grants and Bus and Bus Facilities grants that will allow CTA to access millions more in federal funding for ongoing capital improvement projects.

"Prioritizing infrastructure spending does more than get travelers from point A to point B safely and efficiently," said Rep. Quigley. "By supporting a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of our connected infrastructure system, we can combat climate change, protect public health, and stimulate job creation. Through the modernization of centuries-old rail lines and replacement or rehabilitation of buses, Chicago will generate new economic activity that moves our state—and our country—forward."

Access to Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports: Requires that CRS publish research reports on a central, publicly accessible website.

"The most effective government is one that is open and accessible to those it serves," said Rep. Quigley. "I am pleased that informative CRS reports on such a wide range of issues will now be available for public consumption. We must continue to use 21st century resources and modern technology to implement common-sense measures that help inform the American people."

O'Hare Noise Mitigation: Instructions directing the FAA to conduct short and long term noise mitigation activities around O'Hare Airport, and to provide 8 new FAA field staff to address noise concerns.

"The unprecedented noise pollution facing local Chicago communities is a serious problem that disrupts residents' way of life and threatens public health," said Rep. Quigley. "The physical and mental impacts of noise warrant urgent action, and I am hopeful that these noise mitigation activities will play a key role in addressing this nuisance."

Rep. Quigley also secured language and/or funding for a number of other priorities, including:

  • Gun Violence Research: Language to clarify the Dickey Amendment and enable the Center for Disease Control to conduct research on the causes of gun violence.

  • NextGen: $1.3 billion, an increase of $239 million to help make commercial flying safer, quieter, and more efficient.
  • Tiger Grants: $1.5 billion, an increase of $1 billion to help fund innovative transportation infrastructure projects throughout Illinois and Chicago.
  • Advanced Military Orthopedic Training: Instructions to Defense Department to partner with civilian experts to improve training for military orthopedic health professionals.
  • Brain Cancer Research: Expand research categories covered under Defense Department's Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research program to include all types of brain cancer.
  • Great Lakes Fishery Commission: $33.3 million, an $8.5 million increase to carry out programs that protect and improve the fishery throughout the Great Lakes basin.
  • Community Health Centers: $1.6 billion, an increase of $135 million to strengthen the ability of health centers to provide integrated, high-quality primary care.
  • Pell Grants: Increased maximum award to $6,095 to assist in making higher education more affordable for millions of low and moderate income students.
  • Immigration Court Information Desk: Continued funding to help provide access to legal rights information for immigrants who lack representation.
  • National Violent Death Reporting System: $23.5 million, an increase of $7.5 million to expand reporting of deaths caused by child abuse, domestic abuse, suicide, and homicide which enables states to develop effective strategies to address root causes and implement strategies for prevention.
  • Asian Carp: Language to help ensure carp are unable to make it through the Chicago Areas Waterway System (CAWS) into Lake Michigan.