South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim of California's 40th District has announced her support for the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, which aims to fund the government at fiscal year 2024 levels through September 30, 2025. The bill is designed to prevent a government shutdown while maintaining essential services.

"While we must cut wasteful spending and get America back on the right fiscal track, shutting down the government is not the solution," said Rep. Kim. "A government shutdown is costly, gets us nowhere, and hurts the American people." She emphasized that the bill will uphold commitments to seniors, veterans, and hardworking Americans as work continues on future appropriations and budget planning.

Rep. Kim highlighted the importance of Medicaid for community health care access. "This bill protects Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare services," she stated. "As this process moves forward, I will continue to make clear that a budget resolution that does not protect vital Medicaid services for the most vulnerable...will not receive my vote."

The continuing resolution (CR) ensures full funding without increasing taxpayer spending. It supports veterans' healthcare services and boosts the Toxic Exposure Fund while protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid from potential disruptions due to a shutdown.

Additionally, it enhances defense investments with significant pay raises for junior enlisted troops—the largest in over four decades—and increases funding for air traffic control priorities over FY24 levels. Law enforcement agencies will also benefit from secured funding, including COPS grants.

Nutrition assistance programs such as WIC will see an increase of more than $500 million for a total of $7.6 billion in funding under this legislation.

Overall, Rep. Kim assures that this CR keeps government operations running smoothly by safeguarding against any legislative add-ons or "poison pills" that could complicate its passage.