Omnibus Is Essential, But a Mixed Bag
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional leaders announced an omnibus spending package today. Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president of Public Citizen, released the following statement:
“A deal to fund agencies at a responsible level was critical for proceeding into the new year. Flat funding would have been devastating to the American people.
“We celebrate the inclusion of the Electoral Count Act reforms following the January 6th Select Committee’s dramatic conclusion yesterday. These important policies will help ensure that there is no longer ambiguity about the role of the vice president in certifying an election. The Electoral Count Act is an essential reform for preserving the integrity of elections in 2024 and beyond.
“That said, there are some glaring issues with the final bill, including the shocking, completely unjustified explosion in Pentagon spending far beyond what either the president or the Pentagon asked for. In addition, Congress missed an opportunity to rein in anticompetitive practices by Big Tech companies. Furthermore, it’s disappointing that Congress failed to remove so many harmful legacy riders from the final package, including measures that attack abortion rights, fuel corruption, and harm our environment.”