Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed portions of the 2023 appropriations funding. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean led many priorities to help communities in her district and people around the nation. Here are a few of her priorities that made it in the package:
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Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Disability Program Funding: Secured $10 million for the CDI Program Integration for Individuals with Disabilities funding. This funding will allow CDFIs to award loans for technical and financial assistance to individuals with disabilities.
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Department of Vehicle Technologies 12V Lead Battery Research and Development: Secured $10 million for the Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office to improve research and development of 12-volt lead batteries for electric vehicles. These specific types of batteries are used for back-up power critical features like steering, brakes, and evasion assistance. Many of these batteries are manufactured in nearby communities.
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VA Neurology Centers of Excellence: Secured language instructing the VA Department to continue to increase its investment in the Neurology Centers of Excellence and expand the centers to enhance their ability to serve an increased number of veterans.
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Report on Diversity in Clinical Trials: Secured policy language urging the FDA to continue to examine past drug approvals with safety issues and develop strategies to mitigate adverse drug effects, and reduce health disparities.
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Small Business Administration Pilot Program to Support Women and Minority Health Innovators: Secured language instructing the SBA to explore options, methods, and programs to further engage and provide support for women and minority-led health entrepreneurs.
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Indian Health Centers Headache Centers of Excellence: Secured language instructing the Indian Health Service to explore the feasibility of creating an HIS Center of Excellence , which would provide care, telehealth, and patient services in addition to education and training for providers in the communities HIS serves.
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The bill also included millions dedicated to community projects in Rep. Dean’s district, covering Montgomery and Berks Counties, including:
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$3,000,00 for the Borough of Pottstown for their Keystone Boulevard Extension Project
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$2,500,000 for Montgomery County for the Cross County Trail (CCT) Bridge & Trail
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$1,000,000 for Temple University Ambler Campus for their Temple Ambler Community Kitchen (TACK)
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$1,000,000 for Habitat for Humanity Montgomery and Delaware Counties for their Hatfield II Housing Project
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$500,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region for their Independence Norristown Renovation & Expansion Project
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$220,416 for Whitpain Township for their Ambler Alley Storm Sewer Project
“I always believe that our budgets define our values, and so I’m pleased to secure support for so many organizations in this appropriations process,” Rep. Dean said. “My team and I have worked for months to address needs in our communities and across the nation, including resources for our veterans, programs for women-owned small businesses, developments for electric vehicles, and community project funding. These priorities can expand resources for Pennsylvanians and people everywhere, and I am excited to see that through.”
Congresswoman Dean has also led priorities that will be voted on in subsequent appropriations legislation, including funding for suicide prevention and mental health resource for law enforcement, gun violence prevention programs, a nationwide PFAS health study, and community-based mental health and substance use disorder services.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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