Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2617- the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2023, otherwise known as the omnibus spending bill. Lucas opposed the legislation.
“The 117th Congress has proven to be the most irresponsible and spendthrift in recent history. Since winning control of the House, Senate, and White House, Speaker Pelosi and Washington Democrats have recklessly spent more than $3 trillion outside of the normal appropriations process. At a time when Americans’ biggest concern is inflation and the amount of spending coming out of Washington, Congress is failing to craft and abide by a responsible fiscal agenda.
“The process through which this legislation came into being is as deeply disappointing as the end product. The omnibus government funding bill passed today is imperfect and a reflection of a broken legislative process. Congress’ inability to transparently draft and responsibly pass spending bills on time with measured debate has plagued both the U.S. Senate and House for far too long. Major changes in law and the spending of government funds deserves thoughtful debate- without it Congress cannot be responsible stewards of the American taxpayers’ money. The American people seem to agree, this is no way to govern in a democracy. I hope, and look forward to in the Republican Majority, to returning to regular order and prioritizing the crafting of a responsible, conservative fiscal agenda.”
