WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, secured funding for key federal agencies in the fiscal year 2019 Senate’s Financial Services and General Government bill, which passed the Senate today with bipartisan support.

“Serving on the critical Appropriations Committee gives me an important opportunity to fight for programs and funding that are important to Delaware and our country, and as the top Democrat on this particular Appropriations Subcommittee, that’s doubly true,” said Senator Coons. “I’m proud that we were able to work together in the Senate to reject President Trump’s proposed cuts to anti-drug programs and help ensure that we’re doing all we can to combat the opioid crisis.  I’m also proud that we’ve committed significant funds to support programs like the First State Community Loan Foundation that drive important development efforts in low-income communities. Nevertheless, while I’m glad we were able to reach agreement on this bill, there are areas, such as the restriction of DC’s own local funds on a women’s right to choose, that I am disappointed were included. I look forward to working with my colleagues moving forward to resolve this issue.”

The bill includes a total of approximately $416 million for anti-drug programs, which is $400,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 level and $386 million more than the president’s budget request.  The Senate bill rejects the President’s proposed move of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and Drug-Free Communities (DFC) programs from ONDCP to other agencies.  The HIDTA program is funded at $280 million, the same level as fiscal year 2018.  The DFC program is funded at $99 million, the same level as fiscal year 2018.   

The bill provides $250 million for the CDFI Fund to promote economic and community development in low-income communities, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $236 million more than the president’s budget request. Delaware CDFI’s like the First State Community Loan Fund, Delaware Community Investment Corporation (DCIC), and National Council on Agriculture Life and Labor Research Fund, are some of the most important sources of capital for minority, women, and veteran owned early stage companies in Delaware. The CDFI program enables these Delaware organizations to help more men and women start and expand their companies in Delaware.  

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