Buddy Carter, U.S. House of Representatives, Georgia First District

Congress passed the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill this week to fund the government through September 30, 2016. I voted for this bill because it provides critical funding for the First District and the entire state of Georgia. Our largest economic drivers in the First District cannot operate without this legislation.

It supports our ports in Savannah and Brunswick and ensures construction continues in the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. The bill also provides important construction funds to our military bases, ensures Kings Bay has the resources needed for future missions and, despite shortsighted attempts by the Air Force, fully funds the A-10 Warthog at Moody Air Force Base to keep it flying.

Additionally, the legislation provides needed resources and training for our troops in the field and to combat the threat of ISIS and other enemies around the world. The legislation also strengthens the security of the Visa Waiver Program to ensure individuals entering the United States with the program are not security risks. The threats against Americans at home and abroad are too great to ignore. Now more than ever we must strengthen our national defense and support our military to destroy ISIS.

While I wish this legislation would have gone further to end Washington’s spending addiction and promote conservative principles, it does provide many victories for conservatives and the American people. The legislation ends the antiquated ban on crude oil exports, supports Second Amendment and pro-life measures, and continues the fight to end Obamacare.

Passage of this legislation is another stepping stone in a far from over fight to rein in spending and push forward conservative values.