and the wifia loan is the last item on the list. we are working on the capital financing plan for the current fiscal year '19 and we'll share that with you in september. staff has been developing a capital financing plan to fund wastewater's large capital program, including the ssip in a measured way to mitigate the upward pressure on sewer rates and charges. so actively managing our capital financing costs is very important. and the points that are noted here is what we look at all the time. we look for opportunities to refund our outstanding debt we're a leader in the issuance of green bonds, with being able to attract a larger investor base. through the latest bond you approved at the last meeting, we introduced that to a capital financing program that can result in overall lowered borrowing costs. so in terms of loans, loans can serve as a cheaper alternative. we have actively pursued the loans. and we've entered into the loans for just over $100 million that are funding our ssip projects. in terms of the cost savings, the loans

we also continue to provide the highest funding level ever for the wifia program. this leverages federal funds for water infrastructure projects, and these programs have a direct impact on improving water quality in communities around the country. and then another small category that is not small for the arts and the cultural communities, but again we do right by our smithsonians here in our nation's capital, helping to ensure that the national endowment for arts and humanities receives the level of support that i believe is important. so again, those are some of the greatest hits coming out of the interior appropriations bill this morning. you have heard similar comments from my colleagues in the other three departments, whether it's financial services ag or transportation housing. i look forward again to working with colleagues as we advance these measures through the full process not only here in the senate, but in the conference with the house later. i'd like to close, mr. president, by again expressing my appreciation to my friend and the ranking member of the