Bill also Includes Senator’s Measure to Protect Against Sexual Assault on Aircraft and Funding to Fight Opioids, a Casey Priority
Washington, D.C. – Following the unveiling of the omnibus appropriations bill, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced several legislative and funding wins that he fought to ensure were included.
“I’m pleased to announce a number of crucial funding provisions that will help states address the ongoing opioid crisis, provide education assistance to the children of our nation’s fallen heroes and prevent sexual assault on airplanes,” said Senator Casey. “While there is still much more to be done to address these issues, the Senate bill is a significant step forward in several regards. I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this legislation without delay.”
In addition to legislative contributions, Senator Casey wrote a number of letters of support and continually called on appropriators to ensure that Pennsylvania priorities were included.
Helping Children of Fallen First Responders:
The omnibus legislation includes several provisions related to Senator Casey’s Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act (S. 597), which increases federal Pell Grants available for the children of fallen first responders and public safety officers. In particular, Casey’s legislation would make children of these fallen heroes eligible for the maximum Pell Grant award authorized by law, currently $5,920 per year for a full-time student.
Combatting the Opioid Epidemic:
Senator Casey is the author of Combating the Opioid Epidemic Act (S. 2004), legislation to significantly increase the resources available to communities fighting the opioid epidemic. In particular, Casey’s legislation would invest in prevention, detection, surveillance and treatment of opioid use disorder. Consistent with Casey’s efforts to significantly increase funding to combat the opioid epidemic, the Senate omnibus includes $3.3 billion to address the crisis.
Preventing Sexual Assault on Airplanes:
The omnibus legislation pulls text from Senator Casey’s Stopping Assault while Flying Enforcement Act (S. 1605), which aims to improve the response to sexual assault and sexual harassment on board aircraft. In particular, Casey’s legislation would fix gaps in airline personnel training, data collection and reporting.
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