WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts announced the Senate has approved a Continuing Resolution containing important funds for Kansas and the nation, including pay raises for men and women in uniform, expanded domestic oil production, funding for veterans, disaster relief, homeland security investments and increased immigration enforcement.

"This bill contains critical funding for programs and services benefiting Kansans in their daily lives," Senator Roberts said, "I am also pleased we were able to approve a pay raise for our men and women in uniform and that we support veterans with a $4.1 billion increase in funding for the health care these heroes deserve."

The bill expands domestic production of energy by ending the Congressional ban on offshore drilling. Senator Roberts has long called for expansion of these resources as part of a long term comprehensive energy strategy for the nation.

Senator Roberts fought to include disaster relief for communities like Chapman that suffered from tornadoes and flooding this past June. The bill also provides funds for firefighter and emergency medical services grant programs.

Also included in the bill are provisions to increase funding to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement.

Senator Roberts personally worked to include over $16 million in research investments at Wichita State, Kansas State University and The University of Kansas, part of Senator Roberts’ commitment to bringing federal research investments to Kansas to strengthen the economy.

The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law. The resolution funds the government through March 6,2009.

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