When Congress votes on appropriations bills, the legislative branch is fulfilling its constitutional duty to control the power of the purse. An annual appropriations process allows for open, transparent debate about the spending priorities of our nation. The process also helps keep discretionary spending in check.

The Senate has already passed three appropriations bills this year, highlighting a number of priorities affecting veterans, energy resources, and transportation infrastructure. The bills have received overwhelming bipartisan support.

The fourth appropriations bill to reach the Senate floor would fund measures important to national security and economic development. A vote on its passage is expected in the coming days.

Emergency Funds to Stop Zika

Unlike the gridlock of previous years, appropriations bills are being considered with an open amendment process under the leadership of Sen. Thad Cochran, who serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. When lawmakers have the opportunity to voice amendments, legislation can be improved in ways that better serve the American people.

For example, an amendment I supported would address the public health threats posed by the Zika virus. Experts tell us that an emergency response to Zika is critical to the safety and well-being of all Americans, especially pregnant women and infants. Three cases of the Zika virus – all travel-related – have been confirmed in Mississippi, and parts our state are home to the Aedes albopictus mosquito, which can transmit the virus.

The Zika amendment was added to the Senate appropriations bill for military construction, veterans programs, and transportation and housing needs. On June 22, an agreement was reached between the Senate and the House of Representatives on how to address the Zika threat.

Grant Programs to Improve Transportation

This year’s transportation appropriations bill could make a substantial impact in Mississippi, funding grant programs to assist efforts like the restoration of passenger rail along our Gulf Coast. These grants would address critical gaps in resources for new, revived, and expanded rail service. In addition, the bill would fund the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, which helps support national infrastructure that has private and local investment. In a TIGER project, one federal dollar is matched with two non-federal dollars.

TIGER awards have been used to bolster projects across our state. Last year, Jackson received a TIGER award to improve North State Street and West County Line Road near Tougaloo College. In 2014, Claiborne, Franklin, and Jefferson counties received awards for roads and bridges. In total, Mississippi’s TIGER projects have amounted to more than $68 million.

Support for Ports, Waterways

Another appropriations bill passed by the Senate would support investments like port dredging and wastewater infrastructure. Annual funding for Department of Energy programs and projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would protect energy assets and prepare for hazards like floods, in addition to promoting commerce and economic competitiveness. I am especially pleased that the bill would include funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission and Delta Regional Authority, which create jobs in dozens of Mississippi counties.

The bipartisan passage of appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2017 is just one way that the Senate, under Republican leadership, is back to work. This year marks the earliest that a standalone appropriations measure has been approved by the Senate in more than 40 years. Our progress should continue – not just for the Senate to fulfill its constitutional obligations but for the American people to have a voice in the spending priorities that affect their lives.