Sen. Cornyn Votes Against Bloated Omnibus Spending Bill; Says Reckless Spending Must Stop

Statement

Sen. Cornyn Votes Against Bloated Omnibus Spending Bill; Says Reckless Spending Must Stop

Calls on President to veto and fulfill campaign promise for fiscal restraint

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Finance and Budget Committees, released the following statement after opposing the $410 billion Omnibus Appropriations bill.

"American families are learning to save more and spend less, but Congress is not following their lead. I am disappointed that the Majority has chosen to spend so recklessly at such a delicate time in our nation's history. The omnibus appropriations bill is $30 billion over last year's budget for these programs, an 8 percent increase. It includes funding for at least 122 programs already funded by the $1 trillion stimulus bill recently enacted into law. In total, discretionary spending for the current year will be more than $1 trillion for the first time in our nation's history.

"In the 50 days since President Obama's inauguration, Congress has spent more money than the previous Administration spent on the Wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the response to Hurricane Katrina - combined. At a time when all Texans are having to slash their family budgets and find new, innovative ways to save money, Congress is embarking on a lavish, irresponsible spending spree that I could not support. Equally troubling, Senate Democrats blocked Republican proposals to reduce the size and scope of the bill.

"Congress cannot tax and spend our way out of a recession. This frivolous spending must stop, and it must stop now. It is my hope that President Obama will veto this legislation, send it back to Congress so we can fulfill what he himself promised to the American people - to go through this bill line-by-line, trim the pork and ensure fiscal responsibility."

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