Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement following House passage of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026. This legislation, which is expected to be signed by President Trump shortly, puts an end to the disastrous Democrat Shutdown.
“After 43 days, common sense has finally prevailed in Congress, and our government has reopened. For weeks, Democrats in the Senate have sadly put partisan politics over the well-being of hardworking Americans, including our servicemembers at Fort Knox, air traffic controllers, and those relying on SNAP benefits to survive,” said Congressman Guthrie. “The end to this shutdown was long overdue and completely avoidable. I am eager to get back to the important work of the American people.
“I am also excited that this Continuing Resolution contains three FY2026 appropriations bills, which include over $56 million for projects across the Second District that I helped to secure,” Guthrie continued. “This is the first step in completing the regular government funding process.”
Background:
The enactment of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026, puts an end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, providing government funding through January 30, 2026. It also includes three full-year FY2026 appropriations bills.
These three appropriations bills included over $56 million towards earmark projects secured by Congressman Guthrie. Information about these projects, as well as summaries for the appropriations bills, can be found below.
Congressman Guthrie Earmark Funding Secured for KY-02
- Fort Knox ARAC Aviation Support Facility – $50,000,000
- This funding will support the Army Reserve rotary wing aviation maintenance mission at Fort Knox.
- City of Lewisport Water Treatment Plant – $2,000,000
- This appropriation will help construct a new regional Water Treatment Plant to help ensure long term quality service for all Lewisport citizens as well as those households outside of the city limits that the plant services.
- City of Clarkson Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion – $1,500,000
- The funding will help upgrade the current wastewater treatment system, as it is currently at capacity. It will also expand the system to allow for new users in the city of Clarkson.
- Meade County Water District System Upgrades – $2,130,750
- This project will install a new transmission main, along with a new interconnect, tank, and pump station, to help provide a more reliable and consistent supply of water to more than 5,000 rural customers in Meade County.
- New Haven Asbestos Water Line – $675,000
- This project will allow the LaRue County Water District to replace approximately 4,500 linear feet of existing asbestos cement water lines in the City of New Haven with a six-inch PVC pipe, to improve water quality throughout the city.
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026:
- This legislation provides a total of $26.65 billion in discretionary funding to responsibly invest in America’s rural communities, support our nation’s farmers and ranchers, and keep our food and drug supply secure. A summary provided by the House Appropriations Committee – Majority can be found here.
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026:
- This bill provides funding for military construction projects in addition to fully funding the Department of Veterans Affairs and mandatory veteran benefit programs. In total, this bill included $259 million for projects at military installations across Kentucky.
- A summary provided by the House Appropriations Committee – Majority can be found here.
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026:
- Provides a total of $7 billion in discretionary funding, approximately $200 million below the FY25 enacted level, to support the legislative branch in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. A summary provided by the House Appropriations Committee – Majority can be found here.