Granger Remarks on FY23 Omnibus Appropriations

Dec 23, 2022
Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2617, an omnibus appropriations package to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year.

First, I have concerns about the size and scope of this package. 

It totals almost $2 trillion, and it comes after nearly $3 trillion of spending was pushed through this Congress. 

This $3 trillion was enacted completely outside of the normal process and many programs received staggering increases.

This record-high spending has been a key driver of inflation.

It has led to record-high prices for the American people, for everything from gas to groceries.

Instead of reflecting the economic realities we face, the package of bills before us represents continued spending in areas that have already received large increases.

Second, this omnibus package bails out the administration for many of their self-inflicted wounds on issues like the border crisis and the energy crisis.

In closing, I am disappointed that I am unable to support this bill that funds our nation’s military at the authorized level. 

But, the excess spending on non-defense programs in this bill is just too much to gain my support.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote no, and I reserve the balance of my time.