They deal with the opioid crisis, broadband expansion in rural areas.
Washington DC (KM). An appropriations bill passed the House of Representatives last week with four amendments presented by 6th District Representative David Trone (D-Md).
One would increase funding by $1.5-million for mental health courts, and adult and juvenile collaboration program grants to improve mental services and provide diversion for justice-impact individuals, according to a news release from his office. Trone says a second amendment would provide funding to upgrade the infrastructure at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“The last two amendments would put additional funding toward expanding rural broadband, deployment in combating the opioid crisis in rural communities. Two critical priorities in western Maryland,” said Trone on the House floor.
Those final two amendments were co-sponsored by Trone and 5th District Representative Denver Riggleman (R-Va.)
“I came to Washington to represent those who don’t have a PAC or lobbyist, and I’m proud that we were a able to secure resources for critical priorities in our district,” Trone said in a statement.
The four amendments were added to the Fiscal Year 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act.
By Kevin McManus