{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-votes-support-our-armed-forces-and-national-security", "PEARCE VOTES TO SUPPORT OUR ARMED FORCES AND NATIONAL SECURITY", "2017-07-27", "2017", "2017-07", "Republican", "House", "NM", "Steve Pearce", "P000588", "pearce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (July 27, 2017) The House of Representatives voted today to fund critical national defense programs through H.R. 3219, Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018. This appropriations package, also known as a \u201cminibus,\u201d included the Department of Defense, Military Construction \u2013 Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs, Energy and Water Development, and Legislative Branch funding bills.\n\u201cI remain committed to providing our armed forces with the tools and resources they need to complete their critical missions and protect the security of our nation. We cannot expect our nation\u2019s military to defend against ever evolving threats without the ability to train, maintain equipment, and invest in new technologies. The only way to accomplish these goals is to modernize and reform the way our military operates. Today\u2019s national security package tackles the readiness crisis of our military head on, while honoring the commitment we\u2019ve made to our service members and their families,\u201d stated Rep. Pearce.\nRep. Pearce continued to state, \u201cNational security also lies within energy advancement and development. New Mexico plays a vital role in the research, development, production, and disposal of nuclear resources that are fundamental to our nation\u2019s security strategy. With strong funding to support these operations, New Mexico will continue to be a national leader in protecting the United States.\nThe funding package included a non-debatable provision that provides $1.6 billion to fund the construction of a physical barrier along the southern border. Rep. Pearce voted against this procedural motion earlier today.\n\u201cToday\u2019s legislation was not perfect. The construction of a physical wall on the southern border will never be the solution. The only way to secure the border is through the use of modern technology and a comprehensive strategy for patrolling the border. I will continue to educate and work with my colleagues to make critical border security decisions that our nation needs, however, this bill does too much for those that protect our freedoms on a daily basis to vote against.\u201d\nBackground - July 2017 \u201cMinibus\u201d includes funding for:\nEnergy & Water Development\n $37.6 billion total funding\nStrengthens national security\nMoves U.S. toward energy independence by investing in Department of Energy programs that reduce reliance on foreign oil\nKeeps energy costs down\nIncreases funding for Department of Energy\u2019s nuclear weapons programs\nIncludes measures to improve public safety\nCreates jobs\nStrengthens national economy\nProvides $6.16 billion funding for Army Corps of Engineers\nPrioritizes research projects and studies for flood and storm damage reduction\nExpedites the Trump Administration\u2019s commitment to repealing \u201cWaters of the United States\u201d\n Defense\n Total budget is $658.1 billion\nPromotes readiness and focuses on rebuilding our military\nIncludes $73.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding\nEnsures troops have the training and equipment to maintain global military superiority\nProvides 2.4% pay raise \u2013 largest military pay increase in 8 years\n  Does not provide funding for BRAC\nProvides for MQ-9, F-16, and C-130 mods\nEnsures military is on cutting edge of defense technology\nInvests $84.3 billion in research and development\nInvests $149.9 billion in equipment and weapons procurement\n Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon & VA)\n Total budget is $88.8 billion\nIncreases investment in rural airfields for Guard and Reserve use\nFt. Bliss hospital installment for $251 million\nIncreases Energy Grid security\nSupports medical care for 7 million VA patients\nIncreases funding for construction of critical military infrastructure by 25%\nSupports all NDAA projects for NM\nCreates the Office of Accountability to review claims and oversee whistleblower issues\nInter-state controlled substance monitoring program continuation\n Legislative Branch\n Puts security of Congressional Members, their staff, and people they serve first\nBoosts funding for Capitol Police\n  Maintains functions of the House of Representatives\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-votes-support-our-armed-forces-and-national-security"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.381823793053627, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}