Ryan Calls Bill Aiding YARS, 3D Printing ‘Huge Win’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives voted nearly along party lines to pass the fiscal year 2020 appropriations spending package Wednesday, which includes four C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and $10 million in additive manufacturing funding for the Mahoning Valley.

In a vote of 226 to 203, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2020, or HR 2740, passed the House of Representatives and will go on to the Senate. All but seven Democrats voted in favor of the legislation, while Republicans unanimously voted “nay.” Three representatives did not vote.

The appropriations “minibus” funds a number of priorities of U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13 Ohio, including procurement of $400 million for four new C-130J aircraft for the U.S. Air Force Reserve units at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, which houses the 910th Airlift Wing. The unit uses the aircraft for aerial spray missions and combat support.

Additionally, $10 million in research and development funding will go toward purchase of “very large-scale” additive manufacturing equipment in Youngstown, which is home to America Makes and other additive manufacturing companies, according to a statement from Ryan’s office.

Other funding in the package includes monies for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing direct loan program, Mahoning River cleanup efforts, employment training programs, research on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Social and Emotional Learning, and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Ryan applauded passage of the “minibus” Wednesday afternoon.

“Today’s passage of several appropriations spending bills is a huge win for Northeast Ohio and I’m proud to have used my position on the House Appropriations Committee to fund these critical projects for our district,” Ryan said. “These funds will be a huge boon for our economy and community. With this minibus, we are making critical investments to move our country forward, support hard-working families, and ensure every person has the tools and resources to achieve the American Dream.”

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