Omnibusting: Omnibus Spending Bill, Earmarks, Pork and Budget Gimmicks

The Senate voted Tuesday night, 76-17, in favor of the largest spending bill in U.S. history, capping a frantic 48 hours. In a separate vote, senators approved $70 billion for U.S. troop in Iraq. The Iraq measure now moves to the House, and then onto President Bush for his signature.

Conservatives expressed disappointment about the measure’s passage. The omnibus does nothing to curb the explosion of earmarks or the flawed budget process, yet an overwhelming number of Republicans and Democrats voted in favor of it. Of those who opposed the bill, three were Democrats and 14 were Republicans. One senator voted “present” and six weren’t on hand to cast a vote.

Several lawmakers offered reactions Tuesday night.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.):

This bill is the culmination of 12 months of procrastination, broken promises and misplaced priorities. Experts looking for an explanation of Congress’ historic low approval ratings should look no further than this bill. The American people are desperate to see change in Washington. Yet, what we have given them is another last minute spending spree with very little debate, discussion, or inspection.

The bill is more than 3,400 pages and I am fairly certain that not a single member of either chamber of Congress, or anyone else for that matter, has read it in its entirety. Sadly, Congress’ desire to recess for the year while securing its pork took precedence over our responsibility to properly manage the nation’s finances and set national spending priorities.

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.):

The Democrat omnibus perverts the purpose of our government. It piles debt onto our children so politicians can stuff their stockings with special interest earmarks.

Democrats used gimmicks to increase domestic spending by $24.3 billion dollars for liberal priorities like Planned Parenthood and attorneys for illegal immigrants, while cutting national defense. This is the single largest appropriations bill in history, not a single person read it, and yet we passed it in less than 48-hours.

Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho):

Shouldn’t we be able to cast an informed vote on one of the largest spending bills ever? H.R. 2764 is a sad testament to Congress’s inability to draft and pass responsible federal funding legislation.