WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for two legislative packages that include appropriations bills to fund the entire federal government for the fiscal year. The bills will now go to the president’s desk for his signature.

“I am disappointed that Congress has failed to pass individual appropriations bills this year. This flawed process is not the way to govern,” Wicker said. “However, I am encouraged that with this agreement we will avoid the damaging effects of another continuing resolution or government shutdown.”

“These appropriations packages put our national security first, providing important support for our military service members and ensuring our president has the tools he needs to defend our borders. They also guarantee strong investments in infrastructure, health, and research that will propel our American economy forward into the next decade without harmful proposals to remove pro-life protections or increase the regulatory burdens on small businesses,” Wicker said.

Among other provisions, the appropriations packages will provide a 3.1 percent pay raise for all members of the armed forces and $24 billion for the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding plan, and establish a U.S. Space Force within the Air Force as the sixth military service. They will also fund the border wall, providing $1.375 billion outright in new funding and removing restrictions on the president’s ability to use homeland security funds for immigration and border enforcement activities.

The packages will also support important infrastructure projects and grants programs nationwide. They protect the sanctity of life and preserve all existing federal pro-life protections, including restrictions on federal funding for abortions and embryonic research. They also repeal the Obamacare taxes on medical devices, health insurers, and high-cost employer-sponsored health insurance.