Americas

US House Advances $1.7Trln Omnibus, Including One-Week Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US House of Representatives on Friday advanced a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill one step closer to passage, including passing a provision to continue current government funding levels for another week to further delay a government shutdown.
Sputnik
House lawmakers advanced the omnibus in a vote of 215-206, slating it for passage by the lower chamber. The Senate passed the legislation on Thursday.
The one-week continuing resolution approved as part of the bill’s consideration grants US President Joe Biden extra time to sign the legislation and avoid a government shutdown, which was set to begin Friday.
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House Republicans including leader Kevin McCarthy have expressed opposition to the omnibus.
"This is a monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I’ve ever seen in this body. The appropriations process has failed the American public," McCarthy said during remarks on the House floor. "This current debate isn’t just about bad policy, it’s a slap in the face to every American that voted."
He reiterated his call to wait until the new Congress starts next year to pass a comprehensive budget. Republicans won control of the House in the November midterm elections and will have a narrow majority beginning with the next session.
McCarthy and other House Republicans also threatened to impede the future legislative efforts of any member who voted in favor of the omnibus spending bill.
The legislation provides approximately $858 billion in US defense funding. Earlier in the "lame duck" session, Congress passed the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which approved $847.3 billion in defense spending and served as a legislative vehicle for $10.6 billion more outside of its jurisdiction for a total of $857.9 billion.
McCarthy said the Republican-led House will be less willing to provide a "blank check" to Ukraine, with colleague Marjorie Taylor Greene leading calls for an audit of US taxpayer funding to the regime in Kiev.
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