Peace Garden News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, a Republican from North Dakota, has cast her vote in favor of H.R. 1968, known as the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025. This legislation aims to fund the federal government while Republicans work towards advancing President Trump's agenda.

"This is the best way to stay on track and deliver the changes in Washington that North Dakotans and Americans want," Fedorchak stated. "This resolution keeps the government open while we keep working to secure the border, unleash energy production, cut wasteful spending, and deliver tax relief for all Americans."

The bill was introduced by House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole from Oklahoma. It extends government funding through September 30, 2025, focusing on several key areas. These include an additional $6 billion for veterans' healthcare and housing, increased defense spending aimed at achieving peace through strength, pay raises for junior enlisted military personnel, and full funding for the WIC program serving low-income women, infants, and children.

Additionally, the legislation reduces non-defense discretionary spending. This portion of the federal budget funds government programs outside of defense as well as Social Security and Medicare. However, this resolution maintains current spending levels for Social Security and Medicare without impacting these programs.

"No Republican wants to rely on a continuing resolution to fund the federal government," Fedorchak noted. "But this step allows us to move forward without interruption while we get back to the budget process as intended. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to pass 12 individual appropriations bills—something that hasn’t been done since 1987 when I was in college. We need to stay the course and restore fiscal responsibility in Washington," she concluded.