Vermont’s congressional delegation praised the passage of a bill facilitating flood control and water quality improvements. However, a major government funding package supporting natural disaster recovery was in jeopardy after President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk withdrew support. If a funding agreement is not reached by midnight, a partial government shutdown may occur. The U.S. Senate approved the Water Resources Development Act, sending it to President Joe Biden for final approval. This bill increases federal funding for flood control projects at two dams and reduces the match required for certain municipalities for clean water projects.
The bill also includes resources for the Northern Border Regional Commission and assistance for communities decommissioning nuclear power plants. While the bill does not allocate funds, it sets the framework for future appropriations. Lawmakers failed to agree on a stopgap funding measure to keep the government running through March 2025, causing uncertainty around disaster relief funding and infrastructure projects. Elon Musk’s criticism of the legislation on social media and Trump’s push to increase the debt ceiling further complicated matters.
Vermont officials expressed frustration with Musk’s involvement and highlighted the importance of disaster relief funding for communities in need. The ongoing debate and lack of agreement in Congress raise concerns about the timely support for crucial projects and services. Vermont’s delegation emphasized the need to prioritize disaster recovery and infrastructure investments for the well-being of the state and its residents.
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