Biden signs $459B spending package after Senate rejects conservative amendments
President Joe Biden Signs $459 Billion Spending Plan
President Joe Biden signed a $459 billion spending plan on Saturday to fund a number of prominent government departments and agencies just hours after the Senate approved the package in a 75-22 vote after rejecting a host of conservative-backed amendments.
The spending package, which was opposed by 21 Republican senators and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), will fund the following government departments and agencies:
- Defense Department
- Department of Veteran Affairs
- Agriculture Department
- FDA
- Transportation Department
- Department of Housing and Urban Development
- FBI
- EPA
- ATF
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) celebrated the passage of the bill, saying that it demonstrated that the House and Senate could work together.
“To folks who worry that divided government means nothing ever gets done, this bipartisan package says otherwise,” Schumer said.
The bill, which was criticized by conservative lawmakers for how many earmarks it included, was passed ahead of a deadline that could have led to a partial government shutdown.
It was supported by Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as well as Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. John Thune (R-SD), both of whom are running to replace McConnell.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was critical of the bill, saying that there was bipartisan consensus to keep adding to the national debt.
“A lot of people don’t understand this. They think there is no cooperation in Washington and the opposite is true. There is compromise every day on every spending bill,” Paul said. “It’s compromise between big-government Democrats and big-government Republicans.”
One amendment, from Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN), to ensure that illegal aliens are not counted toward the apportionment of congressional seats and electoral votes failed 51-45, with all Democrats opposing.
“Today Democrats proved they will vote for anything that preserves their own power — even using illegal immigration to compromise Americans’ voting rights,” Haggerty said.
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Other amendments from Republicans included efforts from Sen. Rick Scott (FL) to remove all of the earmarks out of the bill and an amendment that would have blocked the FDA’s promotion of the abortion drug mifepristone.
Earmarks incentivize the wrong thing in Congress — spending too much money — by rewarding senators and representatives for supporting bloated & otherwise-problematic spending bills.
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) March 9, 2024
The Senate’s passage of the spending package comes after the House approved it earlier this week after opposition from some conservative lawmakers who said it didn’t cut enough spending.
What are the main arguments made by Senator Rand Paul against the bill and its impact on the national debt?
Bill that adds to the national debt,” Paul said. “It’s bipartisan, and it’s out of control.”
President Biden defended the bill, saying it was necessary to fund the essential functions of the government and support key agencies and departments. He emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bill and expressed gratitude to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers for coming together to approve it.
The $459 billion spending plan will have a significant impact on the defense department, veterans affairs, agriculture, transportation, housing and urban development, as well as several other crucial agencies. It will provide much-needed resources for these departments to carry out their missions and support the American people.
The passing of the bill just ahead of the government shutdown deadline is a significant achievement for both parties. While there were disagreements and criticisms surrounding the bill, the fact that lawmakers were able to work together and find common ground demonstrates the possibility of overcoming partisan differences in order to make progress for the American people.
Senate Majority Leader Schumer celebrated the passage of the bill, emphasizing that it proved that divided government does not mean an inability to get things done. He highlighted the importance of compromise and cooperation in achieving positive outcomes for the nation.
However, not all lawmakers were supportive of the bill. Senator Rand Paul criticized the inclusion of earmarks and the continuous increase in national debt. He argued that there should be more fiscal responsibility and less reliance on borrowing.
Overall, the signing of the $459 billion spending plan by President Biden is a significant step forward in funding essential government departments and agencies. It reflects bipartisan cooperation and the ability of lawmakers to put aside their differences for the benefit of the American people. As the nation continues to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and other issues, such cooperation will be crucial in addressing the needs of the country and ensuring its progress.
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