(The Center Square) – Missing appropriations for eastern North Carolina military bases and western North Carolina hurricane aid have drawn the ire of the state’s Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“A year-long continuing resolution that fails to provide sufficient assistance to disaster survivors in western North Carolina and farmers, abandons military construction funds for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, reduces critical broadband funding, and neglects veterans suffering from toxic exposure is both wrong and dangerous,” said Rep. Don Davis, a second-term Democrats serving the northeastern-most region of the state.
He says “real, sustainable solutions” are needed.
The measure is headed for the Senate, with a weekend government shutdown or six months of funding in the balance. President Donald Trump has given a nod to the lower chamber’s legislation.
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, also known as House Resolution 1968, passed the lower chamber 217-213. Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., did not vote; the four Democrats from the state were against it and the other nine Republicans voted in favor.
“The legislation fails to include the necessary $22.8 billion in federal funding for Toxic Exposures Fund, which ensures that veterans expose to toxic chemicals – including at Camp Lejeune – and burn pits can access comprehensive medical care they need,” said Rep. Deborah Ross, D-N.C. “It’s shameful that Republicans have turned their backs on these brave women and men who faithfully served our country in uniform.”
She said the resolution gives Elon Musk, leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, and the president a “blank check to continue their unchecked assault on the essential federal funding and services that millions of North Carolinians rely on.”
Rep. Rev. Mark Harris, R-N.C., sees it differently.
“Today’s funding bill cuts spending versus last year while keeping the lights on so President Trump and DOGE can continue to expose the waste, fraud and abuse that Democrats are so desperate to cover up,” he said. “The vote today is one small step in a larger process to shrink Washington, so the job is far from done. As the People’s House, we uniquely hold the power of the purse to rein in reckless spending.”
To pass the Senate, 60 votes are needed. Republicans united could offer 53. Two independents caucus with the 45 Democrats. The deadline is midnight Friday into Saturday morning.
