Lummis: Americans Deserve Better Than Omnibus Free-For-All

Press Release

Lummis: Americans Deserve Better Than Omnibus Free-For-All

U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., called the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill a monumental failure of Congress to rein in Washington spending, while millions of Americans struggle to pay their mortgages and taxes.

"In his address to Congress last night, President Obama called for a return to fiscal discipline by asking us to rein in Washington spending," Lummis said. "I stand ready to work with the President to do just that. Unfortunately, it seems congressional leaders have a problem with their short term memory. Despite the President's call for restraint, Congress today increased government spending by passing a $410 billion spending bill - an 8 percent increase over last year's spending levels.

"On the heels of a trillion dollar stimulus bill, this huge increase will have a devastating impact on our federal debt and sets a dangerous precedent for future federal budgets. Congressional leaders are turning a blind eye to the plight of millions of Americans by passing this bloated pork-laden spending bill.

"Families and businesses across the nation are feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. It is high time that Congress stand shoulder to shoulder with the American people and share the burden. The American people are tightening their belts in regards to spending, so should Washington."

The omnibus spending bill represents the largest increase in annual discretionary spending since the Carter Administration (exempting funding related to 9/11). When combined with stimulus funding directed at the same programs, this omnibus spending bill amounts to an 80 percent increase in spending over 2008 spending levels.

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