By J.M. Phelps (Lantern of Liberty)
Congress voted on H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act—or as it is commonly known, the omnibus. The 2,232-page bill should have been strongly opposed by every Christian conservative Congressman and constituent across the great state of Louisiana. With limited opposition, it quickly passed the House (256-167) and easily moved through the Senate (65-32). With the exception of what we have gained for defense spending, the bill is an utter disgrace to the Republican party where backbones continue to break unabashedly under the pressure of the Left.
Our taxpayer money still funds the murderous organization, Planned Parenthood. DACA remains untouched. Sanctuary cities have not been defunded. The infamous border wall budget was reduced from $25 billion to $1.6 billion. Clearly, a Republican Congress continues to turn its back on the American people.
In the midst of this $1.3 trillion dollar spending embarrassment, there are a few great men in Louisiana who valiantly stood against it. For those representing Louisiana who released statements to the press, today, we thank you.
Congressman Clay Higgins (3rd District)
“While I fully support efforts to rebuild America’s military and secure our border, we are a nation that is $20 trillion in debt. This $1.3 trillion omnibus represents a massive increase in wasteful spending and government entitlement programs. We must restore fiscal order and take action to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. This bill reflects a level of liberal ideology and deficit spending that I cannot in good conscience support.”
Congressman Mike Johnson (4th District)
“There is no way, in good conscience, I could vote for the omnibus spending bill because its content, and the process behind it, violates our most basic responsibilities and our principles. First, the idea that we could digest 2,232 pages of bill text appropriating all of the funding for the federal government in less than 24 hours is absurd and eerily similar to the ‘we must pass it to see what’s in it’ Obamacare debacle. What we were able to review in the short time before the vote, however, is of grave concern. This package does little to fund our border security efforts, places no restrictions on dangerous sanctuary cities, allows funding for Planned Parenthood and leaves Obamacare completely intact.
“Our nation’s top military officials have repeatedly warned Congress that the number one threat to our national security is our debt. But today, we were asked to vote in favor of even more, massive increases in discretionary, domestic spending. No family or company or local governmental body could operate in such an irresponsible manner, and Congress should not either.
“The American people gave Republicans the House, Senate, and White House to implement conservative principles and careful stewardship and to return our government to one that is truly for the people, by the people. I cannot vote for a deficit spending package that does little to advance the conservative agenda and falls far short of the expectations the American people have set for their representatives in Congress.”
Congressman Ralph Abraham (5th District)
“This 2,200 page omnibus dropped less than a day before we voted on it, and no one could possibly have read it all in that amount of time. I do know enough to see that it breaks budget compromise we struck last month by tacking on billions in extra spending on pet projects, rather than focusing on the money our military and border security need. Dropping a $1.3 trillion spending bill – one that breaks a deal we struck just last month – hours before it needs to pass is an irresponsible way to govern, and that’s why I voted against it.”
Ken Cuccinelli at Senate Conservatives Fund points out, “This bill spans 2,232 pages and spends $1.3 trillion, making it the largest spending bill in U.S. history. At 2,232 pages, it forces American taxpayers to pay $582 million per page!” Louisiana Senators agree.
Senator Bill Cassidy
“The omnibus proves it is easy to spend money and hard to set priorities. Because of this, the debt and deficit increased dramatically. The Senate was given less than 24 hours to review, but this was clear.”
Senator John Kennedy
“This is a Great Dane-sized whiz down the leg of every taxpayer … Everyone who participates in this process ought to put a bag over their heads.”
Now, the question remains: will POTUS veto this atrocity of a bill?
Answer: No!
J.M. Phelps is a Christian activist and journalist based in the Southeastern U.S. He is also editor and publisher of the website Lantern of Liberty.
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