LaLota Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown While Supporting Veterans, Military, Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) released the following statement after voting in favor of keeping the government open. The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act 2025 keeps the federal government funded and open for the people until September 30, 2025. 

"This week, I proudly voted to keep our government open, cut wasteful spending, protect Social Security and Medicare, and deliver the largest pay raise ever for junior enlisted troops. While I’m disappointed that nearly every House Democrat voted no — after Republicans like me voted to fund the government under President Biden — I remain committed to working across the aisle to do what’s right for Long Island families,” said LaLota. “Congress needs to cut spending to fight inflation, secure the border, and protect future generations, all while safeguarding the benefits our seniors and veterans have earned. And I’ll keep fighting to get Suffolk County its SALT relief for middle-class families when budget talks resume later this year."

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 extends government funding through September 30, 2025, maintaining federal operations at fiscal year 2024 levels to prevent a government shutdown while ensuring continuity for key programs and services. 

Defense and National Security

• Fully funds the Department of Defense.
• Increases general transfer authority from $6 billion to $8 billion​.
• Funds the largest junior enlisted pay raise in over 40 years, the most significant increase since the Reagan administration​.
• Allows for new defense projects and sustains ongoing procurement efforts critical to national security.

Veterans’ Healthcare and Benefits

• Protects funding for veterans' medical services, pensions, and housing programs.
• Provides an additional $6 billion for the Toxic Exposures Fund to assist veterans affected by hazardous service-related conditions​.

Medicaid and Medicare

• Delays Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) cuts until April 1, 2025, with remaining reductions phased in from FY 2026 through FY 2028​.
• Extends key Medicare programs, including:

• Low-volume hospital payment adjustments.

• Medicare-Dependent Hospital (MDH) program.

• Telehealth flexibilities to ensure continued access for seniors and rural communities.

• Adjusts the Medicare Improvement Fund from $1.251 billion to $1.804 billion​.

Nutrition Assistance and Social Programs

• Fully funds SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children nutrition assistance) to support low-income families and children.
• Increases WIC funding by over $500 million, bringing the total to $7.6 billion​.
• Maintains funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to provide financial aid to struggling households.

Disaster Relief and Infrastructure

• Provides continued support for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, including a $115 million repurpose from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)​.
• Extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through the end of the fiscal year to prevent coverage disruptions for homeowners.

Homeland Security and Border Management

• Fully funds Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to maintain national security.
• Provides funding flexibility for Coast Guard personnel and disaster response​.

Public Health and Research

• Extends funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and critical medical research programs.
• Includes funding for the Special Diabetes Program and NIH (National Institutes of Health) initiatives.

LaLota has consistently voiced his opposition to government shutdowns and has voted to keep the government open while working for the people at every opportunity.

In December 2024, LaLota voted for the American Relief Act to keep the federal government funded and open for the people until March 14th, 2025.

In January 2025, October 2023, LaLota introduced the Troops Before Politicians Act, which mandates pay suspension for Members of Congress when pay is suspended for Servicemembers. 

During the 118th Congress, LaLota was a cosponsor of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would require that if appropriations work is not done on time, all Members of Congress must stay in Washington, D.C., and work until the spending bills are completed.